Overview of Bullous Pemphigoid

Signs and Symptoms

The first symptom of bullous pemphigoid is severe itching and burning of the skin. When this is found in the mouth, there is pain as well as burning and becoming sensitive to acidic foods and drinks. Eating would be hard to do and when found in the throat, coughing is found. When the mucous membranes or inner skin of the nose has the severe itching and burning due to BP, nosebleeds are often seen in conjunction.

Diagnoses

Diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid is largely based on a biopsy and the results on the tissues affected. This biopsy will show abnormal antibodies in the lowest layer of skin or mucous membrane tissues. Other diseases and illnesses where bullous pemphigoid can be found is with cancer and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid

Treatments for BP include tetracycline and azathioprine or Imuran. The most common treatment is a topical cortisone cream along with internal steroids to keep the itching and burning at a minimum if felt at all. Other treatments that have been used in the past include IV immunoglobulin infusions on a monthly basis. High amounts of corticosteroids applied to the entire body are considered to be much safer as well as more effective than using the oral steroids or corticosteroids.

Medications commonly used for treatment of bullous pemphigoid include prednisolone, medrol, mycopheonlate, dapsone and cellcept. The oral steroids are given and adjusted on a regular basis until the blisters cease, which can take a few weeks. The steroids are then reduced in dosage over months or in some cases years depending on the severity of the case. Since there are so many side effects with systemic steroids, there are other medications given along with the 5 to 10mg of steroids daily to keep side effects at a minimum.

Risks or Possible Complications

This disease is most commonly found in those persons over the age of 50 and is considered extremely rare in those younger persons. There is no known cause for this disease, but it may be related to other immune system disorders. Symptoms can come and go, but for most people the condition does not last longer than 6 years. Complications from bullous pemphigoid include skin infections such as staph as well as rashes, hives, painful blisters as well as goiters if no treatment is sought. If the disease progresses without treatment, the blisters will pop and cause severe pain and burning sensations that will not cease until the blister heals or is treated.

Resources

American Osteopathic College Of Dermatogly - Bullous Pemphigoid

MedlinePlus - Bullous pemphigoid