BULLOUS PEMPHIGOID

Similar to Pemphigus Vulgaris. An autoimmune disease, in which the body produces antibodies, IgG, that attack normal self proteins within the skin, just at a different, more deeper location, than in Pemphigus Vulgaris.

Body Sites Affected and Appearance of Bullous Pemphigoid

• Large fluid-filled vesicles are produced on red/inflammed or normal skin, accompanied with a lot of itching
• Vesicles heal without scarring
• Sites affected:
  • mouth, groin, armpits, and thighs
  • also the flexor part of the forearms, where the skin meets when the arm closes its angle
• Affects people aged 60 and older

• Can be seen with cancer

Causes of Bullous Pemphigoid

• caused by autoantibodies, IgG, against the epidermal-dermal junction of the skin

• Treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid

  • cyclophosphamide
  • prednisone (like in pemphigus vulgaris)
  • topical steroids - clobetasol
  • tetracycline - antibiotic
  • dapsone (reserved for mild forms)