Phemphigoid is a nonscarring blistering disease.
Presentation is with large, tense, itchy blisters on a normal or erythematous base (1). They usually occur on the upper arms and thighs and may spread to the trunk. Lesions may be 2-5 cm in diameter. They are thick walled and may last for several days. Initially, their constituent fluid is clear but soon becomes cloudy or haemorrhagic. The blisters may be broken due to excoriation, but unlike in pemphigus, heal quickly. Mucous membrane involvement can be seen in around 50% of the patients. Oral lesions, which occur in about one-third of patients are located mostly on the palatal mucosa (1), but are seldom the presenting feature.
Diagnosis in the early stages may be difficult as blistering is often preceded by widespread pruritus, urticaria and erythema (1).
Circatrical pemphigoid is a variant with only mucous membrane involvement and healing with scarring. Blisters are common on the eyes where they may result in blindness.
Reference:
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.