What are the signs and symptoms of bullous pemphigoid BP?
What are the signs and symptoms of bullous pemphigoid BP?
The signs and symptoms of bullous pemphigoid may include:
- Itching skin, weeks or months before blisters form.
- Large blisters that don’t easily rupture when touched, often along creases or folds in the skin.
- Skin around the blisters that is normal, reddish or darker than normal.
- Eczema or a hive-like rash.
How is bullous pemphigoid diagnosed?
Diagnosis is by skin biopsy and immunofluorescence testing of skin and serum. Topical and systemic corticosteroids are used initially. Most patients require long-term maintenance therapy, for which a variety of immunosuppressants can be used. Bullae are elevated, fluid-filled blisters ≥ 10 mm in diameter.
What is the underlying cause of bullous pemphigoid?
Bullous pemphigoid is a rare skin condition that causes blisters on your skin. It’s an autoimmune disease. Certain medications may trigger bullous pemphigoid, but healthcare providers aren’t sure exactly what causes it. It can be well-managed with medications.
What does direct immunofluorescence test for?
Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) test for tissue-bound autoantibodies provides a useful adjunct for the diagnosis of autoimmune bullous disorders, helping to classify histologically similar conditions which differ in their treatment protocols and prognosis.
What treatment do dermatologist do to treat bullous pemphigoid?
Medication: Your dermatologist may prescribe creams and ointments called corticosteroids. These help to heal your skin, prevent new blisters from appearing, and relieve the itch. If you have severe bullous pemphigoid, your dermatologist may prescribe corticosteroid pills.
Which disease is diagnosed by immunofluorescence?
DIF is useful in diagnosing the following connective tissue diseases: Lupus erythematosus (systemic, discoid, and subacute cutaneous forms) Neonatal lupus erythematosus. Systemic sclerosis.
What does positive immunofluorescence mean?
In positive samples, the cell nuclei will show a bright apple-green fluorescence with a staining pattern characteristic of the particular nuclear antigen distribution within the cells. If the sample is negative for ANA, the nucleus will show no clearly discernible pattern of nuclear fluorescence.
Can bullous pemphigoid affect the eyes?
Early symptoms are hyperemia and irritation; progression leads to eyelid and corneal damage and sometimes blindness.