Bullous Pemphigoid (cont.)
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 but sometimes requires high doses of cortisone ("steroids")
taken internally. Severe bullous pemphigoid can also require immune-suppression drugs such as azathioprine (Imuran). Tetracycline has been used as a treatment option. Other treatments that have been used for severe disease include intravenous immunoglobulin infusions, typically given monthly.
Recent research has indicated that large quantities of high-potency topical corticosteroids applied to the entire body surface were safer and more effective in controlling extensive bullous pemphigoid than oral corticosteroids. It was felt by the researchers that topical corticosteroids should now be the treatment of choice for bullous pemphigoid, particularly when the disease is not extensive.
Last Editorial Review: 1/25/2008
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