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Bullous Pemphigoid Center - Amarillo, TX

Amarillo Dermatologist Doctors for Bullous Pemphigoid

Type of Physician: Dermatologist

What is a Dermatologist?

A certification by the Board of Dermatology; practitioners treat pediatric and adult patients with disorders of the skin, mouth, hair and nails as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. They also have expertise in the care of normal skin, the prevention of skin diseases and cancers, and in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars.

Specialty: Dermatology

Common Name: Skin Doctor

Dermatologist Doctors in Amarillo *

Advanced Skin Treatment Center
Elaine R Cook
2609 Wolflin Village
Amarillo, TX 79109
(806) 358-1117

William R East MD
William R East
5211 W 9th
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806) 355-7421

Mary E Archer MD
Mary E Archer
1900 S Coulter
STE B
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806) 358-8395

Amarillo Dermatology
Rebecca A McCarthy
4512 Van Winkle Dr
STE M
Amarillo, TX 79119
(806) 358-1497

Amarillo Dermatology
Edward McCarthy
4512 Van Winkle Dr
STE M
Amarillo, TX 79119
(806) 358-1497

Amarillo, Texas

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Bullous Pemphigoid

What is bullous pemphigoid?

Bullous pemphigoid is a skin disease characterized by tense blistering eruptions on the surface of the skin. Occasionally, the inner lining tissue of the mouth (mucous membrane tissue) can be involved. The condition is caused by antibodies and inflammation abnormally accumulating in a certain layer of the skin or mucous membranes. This layer of tissue is called the "basement membrane." These antibodies (immunoglobulins) bind to proteins in the basement membrane called hemidesmosomal BP antigens and this attracts cells of inflammation.

A majority of cases of bullous pemphigoid occur in people 50 years of age or older. While the cause is unknown, it is felt by some that an aging immune system may become activated in certain individuals with some genetic predisposition to develop bullous pemphigoid.

What are symptoms of bullous pemphigoid?

Symptoms of bullous pemphigoid include intense itching and burning sensation of the skin. When the mucous membranes of the mouth are affected, it can cause pain, burning, and sensitivity to acidic foods. Eating can be difficult, and involvement in the deeper areas of the throat can cause coughing. Involvement of the inner nose can cause nosebleeds.

How is bullous pemphigoid diagnosed?

Bullous pemphigoid is diagnosed based on the results of a biopsy of involved tissue. The biopsy can reveal the abnormal antibodies deposited in the basement membrane layer of skin or mucous membrane tissue.

Bullous pemphigoid-like condition can sometimes be associated with other illnesses, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) and cancer.

How is bullous pemphigoid treated?

Bullous pemphigoid can be chronic and mild without affecting the general health of affected individuals. Treatment of bullous pemphigoid can resolve with topical cortisone creams bu...

Recommended Reading Related to Bullous Pemphigoid

Skin Biopsy »

What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is the removal of a piece of skin for the purpose of further examination in the laboratory using a microscope. Skin biopsies are performed to diagnose a number of conditions.

Why is a skin biopsy performed?

Skin biopsy is most frequently done to diagnose a skin growth such as a mole, or a skin condition such as a rash. A skin biopsy can also be used to diagnose a cancer of the skin. A skin biopsy may be indicated when a mole or other marking on the skin has changed in its shape, color, or size. A skin biopsy is also sometimes used to diagnose infections of the skin.

What methods are used to obtain a skin biopsy?

Different techniques are used in different situations. Typically the biopsies are obtained using local anesthetics.

  • A shave biopsy takes a thin slice off the top of the skin and can be used to remove superficial abnorm...

Emergency Contact for Amarillo

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Amarillo Hospitals *

Panhandle Surgical Hospital
7100 SW 9th Ave
Amarillo, TX 79102
(806)212-0247

Triumph Hospital Amarillo
2828 W 27th Ave
Amarillo, TX 79109
(806)351-1600

Amarillo VA Health Care System
6010 Amarillo Blvd W
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806)355-9703

Plum Creek Specialty Hospital
5601 Plum Creek Dr
Amarillo, TX 79124
(806)351-1000

Baptist St Anthony Health System
1600 Wallace Blvd
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806)212-2000

Northwest Texas Healthcare System
1501 S Coulter Ave
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806)354-1000

High Plains Hospital
7501 Wallace Blvd
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806)477-1800

Northwest Texas Surgery Center
3501 S Soncy Rd
Amarillo, TX 79119
(806)359-7999

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