Bullous pemphigoid
What is the cause?
Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune condition, which means the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs.
The person's immune system produces antibodies against the skin. These antibodies attack the basement membrane, which lies between the skin's top layer (epidermis) and the next layer (dermis), and holds the skin together. The skin layers start to separate and fluidbuilds up in between.
It'snot understood why autoimmune diseases like bullous pemphigoid happen, but it's thought something triggers the immune systemto attack the body's own tissues. Certain medicines and sunburn have been known toact as a trigger.
Symptoms usually come on unexpectedly.
Bullous pemphigoid isn't:
- infectious
- caused by an allergy
- affected by diet or lifestyle
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Bullous pemphigoid is a skin condition that causes a rash and itchy blisters. It usually affects people aged over 70.
What are the symptoms?
Bullous pemphigoid typically starts with a red, itchy rash that looks a bit likedermatitis(a type of eczema)or Welts . This tends to last several weeks or months. Groups of large, itchyblisters usual
Who is affected?
The condition is usuallyseen in older people aged over 70. Rarely, it can affect children and younger adults. Bullous pemphigoid is alsoslightly more common in women than men.
What is the cause?
Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune condition, which means the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs. The person's immune system produces antibodies against the skin. These antibodi
How is it diagnosed?
Your GP may suspect bullous pemphigoid just by looking at your skin. The diagnosis is then confirmed by taking a small sample of your affected skin (biopsy) and sending it to a laboratory to be insp
How is it treated?
If you've been diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid, you'll probably be referred to a dermatologist (skin specialist) for treatment. The aim of treatment is to stop new blisters forming and heal the bli
Outlook
It's not possible to cure the condition with treatment, but it usually goes away on its ownwithin five to sixyears. In the meantime, medication is effective in keeping the blisters under control. Reg
Information about you
If you have bullous pemphigoid, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look f
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