Bullous Pemphigoid

Synonym and related keywords of Bullous Pemphigoid - BP, generalized erythroderma bullous pemphigoid, blistering skin disease, urticarial bullous pemphigoid, nodular bullous pemphigoid

What is Bullous Pemphigoid?

Bullous is the medical term for a large blister (a thin-walled sac filled with clear fluid). Bullous pemphigoid is a blistering disorder which is characterized by large blisters. Typically it appears as red patches of skin which later begin to develop blisters.

Bullous Pemphigoid can be localized to one area of the body or be widespread. The blisters frequently rupture to leave eroded areas of skin. Occasionally blisters may form in the mouth which can be more serious.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors for Bullous Pemphigoid -

Bullous pemphigoid is a chronic, autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin. Bullous Pemphigoid is an autoimmune disease of the skin. This means your immune system, for some unknown reason, begins to think that parts of your skin are foreign invaders. Your immune system begins to attack your skin which causes the blisters to form.

Bullous pemphigoid occurs equally in males and females and has been described in all age groups, but it affects elderly persons far more commonly. The true incidence of bullous pemphigoid is unknown.

What are the symptoms of Bullous Pemphigoid?

Bullous Pemphigoid have following symptoms -

bullae (large blisters , thin walled sacs filled with clear fluid, greater than 1 cm. diameter)
- multiple
- usually located on the arms, legs, or trunk
- may also occur in the mouth
- may weep, crust over
- may appear deep below the surface of the skin
- may erode the skin, form ulcers or open sores
itching
rashes
mouth sores
bleeding gums

How Bullous Pemphigoid is treated?

After the treatment of bullous pemphigoid care is necessary. Even if the blisters are totally cleared, you will still be predisposed to have repeat episodes. In some patients long disease free remissions are common, but repeat treatments may be needed and some may require continuous therapy. Treatment may take from one to five years before the disease completely subsides.

There is no medical cure for bullous pemphigoid. Bullous pemphigoid can be controlled with strong medications. Bullous pemphigoid sometimes gets better on its own and can even disappear completely after a few years.