Bullous Pemphigoid Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disease characterized by the appearance of large subepidermal blisters (blisters) that are stretched over red skin. As the name implies, blisters are the main symptom of this disease.
These reddish blisters then turn into large boils within weeks or months. Generally, bullae appear in areas of skin folds such as the armpits, upper thighs, and lower abdomen.
This skin disease can happen to anyone and occurs at any age range. However, it generally occurs in older people over 60 years. If left for a long time and do not get proper treatment, this disease can develop into chronic. Even bullous pemphigoid can threaten the lives of sufferers if it is experienced by elderly people who previously had unfavorable health conditions.
Symptom
The symptoms of bullous pemphigoid are redness, itching, and a burning sensation on the skin. Furthermore, this condition will develop into bullae (blisters) which are generally filled with clear liquid and do not break easily when touched. Sometimes, bullous fluid can also be mixed with blood.
Bullae usually appear in a lot of folded areas such as the armpits, stomach, and inner upper thighs. The color of the skin around the bulla is reddish or darker. However, in some cases, the color around the bull may appear normal.
Reason
In most cases, the cause is still unclear. There is no proven trigger yet. However, like other autoimmune diseases, this disease is related to conditions in which the body’s immune system produces antibodies that actually fight healthy cells in the body. Furthermore, these antibodies trigger inflammation in the layers of the skin to form bullae.
The production of autoantibodies that induce bullous pemphigoid is still unknown, but the antibody examination found deposits of IgG and complement autoantibodies in a linear pattern at the dermis and epidermis junction.
Bullae occur as a form of immune reaction, which is triggered by the formation of IgG autoantibodies that target Bullous Pemphigoid Antigen 1, which is a component of hemidesmosomes. The onset of bullous pemphigoid disorder is related to exposure to ultraviolet radiation or X-ray therapy, as well as the use of several drugs such as furosemide, captopril, and antibiotics.
Diagnosis
A definite diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid is done by carrying out a biopsy examination, which is taking infected skin tissue from sufferers. Furthermore, the tissue will be examined in the laboratory to check the content of pemphigoid antibodies.
The content of these antibodies can also be found in blood. Therefore, bullous pemphigoid sufferers are also advised to do a blood test.
Treatment
Treatment for bullous pemphigoid depends on the severity of the disease. In some cases, bullous pemphigoid is a self-limiting disease, meaning it can heal without treatment. However, this disease can cause death if it occurs in elderly people with poor health conditions or with impaired immune systems.
Bullous pemphigoid treatment options are given with the aim of suppressing the immune system that attacks skin tissue. Treatment is also carried out to relieve inflammation and itching, as well as restore skin conditions to return to normal. The drug given is with corticosteroids or administration of immunosuppressant drugs.
When bullous pemphigoid strikes, treatment is urgent. If left unchecked, a ruptured bulla can become infected and increase the risk of a dangerous blood infection. In addition, sufferers also need to pay attention to several things to keep their condition from worsening. Such as guarding to avoid injuries that can make the bulla break. Another thing is to avoid sun exposure, especially in areas of the skin where there are bullae.
Prevention
As with other autoimmune diseases, until now there is no clear prevention for bullous pemphigoid.