Pemphigoid is a rare blistering disorder, which usually occurs in later life. The blisters form on the skin and, less often, in the mouth as well. Pemphigoid is classed as an autoimmune disease.
For unknown reasons, antibodies form in the blood and attack the structures holding the outer layer of the skin onto the deeper layers. This leads to a splitting of the skin and the formation of blisters. An itchy rash may be present for some weeks before any blisters appear. The blisters may have thick caps, and can get quite large and tense before they burst. Most contain clear fluid but in some cases may be streaked with blood.
The attending doctor may perform a skin biopsy and special tests (immunofluorescence) to confirm the diagnosis.
Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune skin disease. It can cause severe blistering of the skin and the mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, throat and genital area. Blisters develop in the upper layer of the skin. These blisters have a thin and fragile outer surface that breaks away easily to leave raw areas (erosions) that can be extensive and painful.
Pemphigus vulgaris does not go away by itself, and requires assessment and treatment by a Dermatologist. This disease causes the immune system to make antibodies (auto antibodies) that attack the skin and mucous membranes, leading to tissue damage that causes blisters to develop.
The attending doctor may perform a skin biopsy and special tests (immunofluorescence) to confirm the diagnosis.
​See your doctor if:
Treatment has three aims – to stop new blisters coming up, to heal the blisters that are already there, and to use the smallest possible doses of the medicines, as side effects can be common and severe.
A steroid cream can help if only a small area of skin is affected. Antibiotics called tetracyclines, sometimes combined with nicotinamide, may help in Bullous Pemphigoid and can be combined with other treatments.
Treatment for more severe blistering is usually with high doses of steroid tablets to get the blistering under control quickly. Other tablets that affect the immune system can be used at the same time as the steroid tablets, the aim being to reduce the steroid dose. Examples of additional tablets that can be used in this way are azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate and, dapsone. However, these can all cause side effects too, and their use has to be considered carefully.
