What is Bullous Pemphigoid?

Bullous pemphigoid is a skin ailment that can affect a person in middle age. In this condition the body develops blisters, it is also known as Immuno bullous disease. The blisters develop over the body due to immune reaction which takes place inside the skin. Though the condition occurs in rarity and the characteristic manifestation is in the form of blistering. The blisters can develop in the skin layers and may subside in months or years. At times it may reoccur. At times it so happens that along with it the patient may develop pneumonia simultaneously.

The blisters are fluid filled and tense. They may be in red patches, or normal blisters. These Bullous pemphigoid are itchy and may soon spread to other body parts, especially in the fold areas. Some patients may develop these blisters in the mouth. The condition may appear like dermatitis or urticaria.

The ailment is auto immune disease. In this case the immune system of the skin gets affected. In this the IgG antibodies and T lymphocytes together attack the base membrane, especially the proteins related with the hemidesmosomes. The protein is found in the NC16A domain which is found in collagen XVII. the hemidesmosomes are responsible for keeping the keratinocyte cells bonded with the dermis so as to make a water proof seal.

The body reacts to these proteins and become autoimmune to it. The diagnosis is done by dermatologist and the condition may be confirmed after the biopsy of the blister. The condition can be chronic or mild and the general health of the individual is generally not affected.

The Bullous pemphigoid are treated by topical cortisone creams, in some cases high dose of steroids are also prescribed. Study reveals that when higher quantities of topical corticosteroids when applied over the entire body were found to be more effective than oral medication. Thus more and more dermatologists are prescribing over topical application in case the condition is not extensive.