Bullous Pemphigoid Center - Missoula, MT
Missoula Dermatologist Doctors for Bullous PemphigoidType 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 Missoula * Robert J Korenberg MD  Lance R Hinther MD  Mark L Stewart MD  George W McLean MD  Dermatology Associates  Dermatology Associates  Dermatology Associates  Dermatology Associates Missoula, MontanaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-16
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Bullous PemphigoidRead the Bullous Pemphigoid article » 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 PemphigoidWhat 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.
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