MedicineNet

Bullous Pemphigoid Center - Billings, MT

Billings 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 Billings *

Deaconess Billings Clinic Dermatology
Thomas Gormley
2825 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2500

Deaconess Billings Clinic Dermatology
Mark S Jones
2825 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2500

Deaconess Billings Clinic Dermatology
Gail A Kleman
2825 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2500

Deaconess Billings Clinic Dermatology
Gerald E Peters
2825 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2500

Deaconess Billings Clinic Dermatology
Albert C Reynaud
2825 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2500

Deaconess Billings Clinic Dermatology
J Michael Wentzell
2825 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2500

Yellowstone Dermatology
Roberta J Hawk
2900 12th Ave N
STE 240W
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6115

Yellowstone Dermatology
Juliana Hicks
2900 12th Ave N
STE 240W
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6115

Billings, Montana

Upcoming Local Events

2012-06-09
Mason's Mountain Run
Red Lodge, Montana
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Billings
Throughout Billings, Montana
2012-06-17
Clydehurst Christian Ranch
Billings, Montana
2012-06-23

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 Billings

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Billings Hospitals *

Deaconess Billings Clinic
2800 10th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406)657-4000

St Vincent Healthcare
1233 N 30th St
Billings, MT 59101
(406)237-7000

*Provider Directory Terms of Use:

The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval.

You are prohibited from using, downloading, republishing, selling, duplicating, or "scraping" for commercial or any other purpose whatsoever, the Provider Directory or any of the data listings or other information contained therein, in whole or in part, in any medium whatsoever.

The Provider Directory is provided on an "AS-IS" basis. WebMD disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose. Without limiting the foregoing, WebMD does not warrant or represent that the Provider Directory or any part thereof is accurate or complete. You assume full responsibility for the communications with any Provider you contact through the Provider Directory. WebMD shall in no event be liable to you or to anyone for any decision made or action taken by you in the reliance on information provided in the Provider Directory.

The use of WebMD Provider Directory by any entity or individual to verify the credentials of Providers is prohibited. The database of Provider information which drives WebMD Provider Directory does not contain sufficient information with which to verify Provider credentials under the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) of the Utilization Review Accreditation Committee (URAC).

By using the WebMD Provider Directory, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.