Bullous Pemphigoid - Info on Bullous Pemphigoid Symptom, Causes & Treatment

What is Bullous Pemphigoid?

Bullous Pemphigoid is a rare autoimmune disease that results in the blistering on one's skin and occurrence of lesions on an individual.  Although this type of medical condition does not arise too often, it is important to relay some general information regarding this illness so that individuals afflicted with a disorder of this type may have something as a reference. 

Causes of Bullous Pemphigoid

Bullous pemphigoid is a disorder in which antibodies produced by your immune system attack a thin layer of connective tissue in your skin (basement membrane). It's not certain what causes antibodies to attack healthy tissue in your body. If the delicate basement membrane becomes inflamed, fluid-filled blisters can form.

Symptoms of Bullous Pemphigoid

• Itching
• Rashes may be present
• Mouth sores
• Bleeding gums
• General ill feeling
• Gum or mouth sores

Treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid

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 azathoprine (Imuran). Other treatments that have been used for severe disease include intravenous immunoglobulin infusions, typically given monthly.

Self Care Tips

1. Avoid injury
2. Avoid eating hard and crunchy foods
3. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent osteoporosis.
4. Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater.