Pemphigoid is a
disease that causes
blistering. It affects mainly
elderly people. It is an auto-immune disease, in which one of the lower layers of skin is attacked by the
immune system. It can be locally desroyed, with the effect that a fluid filled blister forms. The blisters are characteristicly large and
itchy.
The blister most commonly form on the abdomen or limbs, rarely on the mucous membranes. They persist for several days. Diagnosis is via biopsy. Treatment is with immunosuppressive drugs in serious cases, but topical corticosteroids can treat minor cases. Long-term, the attacks normally cease within several months.