Pemphigoid is a chronic, autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the formation of large blisters, or bullae, on the skin and mucous membranes. It primarily affects the elderly population, with a slight predilection for females.
The condition is classified as a subepidermal blistering disease, where the blisters form below the top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. Pemphigoid is caused by an immune reaction that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin tissue.
The exact cause of pemphigoid is still unknown, but it is believed to result from a complex interplay between genetic factors and environmental triggers. The immune response in pemphigoid is mediated by antibodies called autoantibodies, which target specific proteins located at the dermo-epidermal junction, a region that connects the dermis and the epidermis. This leads to the separation of the layers and the formation of blisters.
Clinical features of pemphigoid include intense itching and the appearance of tense, fluid-filled blisters that may be accompanied by redness and swelling. The blisters can occur on various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, abdomen, and mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and genitals.
Treatment for pemphigoid aims to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation. This usually involves the use of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive medications. Careful wound care and infection prevention are also important aspects of managing pemphigoid.
Overall, pemphigoid is a chronic and potentially debilitating autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of large blisters on the skin and mucous membranes.
