Bullous pemphigoid
Bullous Pemphigoid
Bullous pemphigoid (pronounced: buh-lus pem-fi-goid) is a rare, chronic dermatological condition characterized by large, fluid-filled blisters (bullae) that develop on areas of skin that often flex — such as the lower abdomen, upper thighs or armpits.
Etymology
The term "Bullous" is derived from the Latin word "Bulla" meaning "bubble", and "Pemphigoid" comes from the Greek "Pemphix" meaning "blister".
Symptoms
The primary symptom of bullous pemphigoid is the appearance of blisters, which are usually located on the arms, legs, or trunk. These blisters are often accompanied by itching (pruritus). Other symptoms may include mouth sores and skin redness (erythema).
Causes
Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disorder, which means it is caused by the body's immune system attacking its own tissues. The exact cause of this immune response is unknown, but it is thought to be triggered by certain medications or medical conditions.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid typically involves a skin biopsy, where a small sample of the affected skin is removed and examined under a microscope. Blood tests may also be used to detect specific antibodies associated with the condition.
Treatment
Treatment for bullous pemphigoid usually involves medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids. Other treatments may include immunosuppressant drugs, topical creams, and in severe cases, hospitalization.
Prognosis
With treatment, most people with bullous pemphigoid can lead normal lives. However, the condition can be life-threatening if left untreated, particularly in older adults or those with other serious health conditions.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bullous pemphigoid
- Wikipedia's article - Bullous pemphigoid
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski