Bullous pemphigoid

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Bullous pemphigoid, close-up of tense blisters

Treatment is focused on relief of symptoms and prevention of infection.

Corticosteroids are the treatment of choice. They are given by mouth or by injection. Topical (applied to a localized area of the skin) corticosteroids may also be used on early, localized lesions.

Other medications may include chemotherapy or immunosuppressive medications such as methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate, or cyclophosphamide. Antibiotics in the tetracycline family may be useful in mild cases. Niacin (a B complex vitamin) is sometimes given along with tetracycline.

Bullous pemphigoid usually responds well to treatment. In most patients, all medications may be stopped after several years. In a small group, however, the disease will recur after treatment is stopped.

Infection of the skin lesions is the most common complication.

Call your physician if you notice unexplained blisters on your skin, or, an itchy rash persists despite home treatment.

Review Date: 04/30/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.