Power anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids may be prescribed. Some corticosteroids are taken by mouth, while others require a shot (injection). In persons with early forms of the disease, corticosteroid creams may be used.

Your doctor may prescribe chemotherapy or medicines to help suppress the immune system.

Antibiotics called tetracyclines may be useful in mild cases. Niacin (a B complex vitamin) is sometimes given along with tetracycline.

Bullous pemphigoid usually responds well to treatment. Most patients may stop taking medicine after several years. However, the disease sometimes returns after treatment is stopped.

Skin infection is the most common complication.

Call your doctor for an appointment if you have:

• Unexplained blisters on your skin
• An itchy rash that continues despite home treatment

Images

Bullous pemphigoid, close-up of tense blisters

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Bullous pemphigoid Symptoms

Review Date: 05/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)