Bullous Pemphigoid

Best Sun-Care Products Slideshow

Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is bullous pemphigoid?
• What are symptoms of bullous pemphigoid?
• How is it diagnosed?
• How is bullous pemphigoid treated?

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.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• prednisolone, Pediapred Oral Liquid, Medrol - Defines the medication prednisolone (Pediapred Oral Liquid, Medrol) a drug used used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
• Skin Biopsy - Read about the skin biopsy procedure and what to expect if your doctor orders this procedure for a lesion.
• Lupus - Get information on lupus (SLE) disease treatment, signs, diagnosis, types of symptoms (butterfly, discoid rash), causes, pregnancy flares, prevention and statistics.

Read more Bullous Pemphigoid related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Artificial Ankle Takes Giant Step Forward
• Hysterectomies Could Be Source of Stem Cells
• Pesticides Linked to Blood Disorder
• Teens, Young Adults Need More Calcium