Bullous pemphigoid Bullous pemphigoid occurs when the immune system attacks a thin layer of tissue below the outer layer of skin (Mayo Clinic, 2023). It is a rare skin condition that causes large, fluid-filled blisters. They develop on areas of skin that often flex, such as the lower abdomen, upper thighs, or armpits. Bullous pemphigoid is most common in older adults. The signs and symptoms may include itching skin weeks or months before the blisters form. Other symptoms are large blisters that don't easily rupture when touched, often along creases or folds in the skin, skin around the blisters that is normal, reddish, or darker than normal, eczema or a hivelike rash, and small blisters or sores in the mouth or other mucous membranes (benign mucous membrane pemphigoid). Autoimmune blistering diseases Autoimmune blistering diseases are a group of disorders in which the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing blistering lesions that primarily affect the skin and mucous membranes (NORD, 2023). In autoimmune blistering diseases, the antibodies attack proteins that are essential for the layers of skin to stick together. The specific symptoms and severity of blistering diseases vary from one person to another, even among individuals with the same disorder. In some cases, blistering lesions can cover a significant portion of the skin. In many cases, blisters can rupture, becoming open sores or wounds. Pemphigus Pemphigus causes blisters and sores on the skin or mucous membranes, such as in the mouth or on the genitals (Mayo Clinic, 2023). The blisters rupture easily, leaving open sores that may ooze and become infected. There are two common types of pemphigus. Pemphigus vulgaris usually begins with blisters in the mouth, then blisters form on the skin or genital mucous membranes. The blisters are typically painful but don't itch. Blisters in the mouth or throat may make it hard to swallow and eat. Pemphigus foliaceus causes blisters on the chest, back, and shoulders. The blisters tend to be more itchy than painful. Pemphigus foliaceus doesn't cause mouth blisters. Pemphigoid Pemphigoid is a family of rare autoimmune conditions that causes blistering and rashes on the skin and mucous membranes (Mayo Clinic, 2023). The body mistakenly sends antibodies to bind to cells in the skin. These antibodies trigger a chain reaction that separates the bottom layer of cells from the layers above. Most forms of pemphigoid Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes of the eye, especially the conjunctiva (Autoimmune Association, 2021). People may develop blistering of the skin and scarring of the conjunctiva. It is characterized by the formation of painful, oozing blisters on the skin, mouth, nose, genitals, intestinal tract, or eyes. The condition affects the eyes by causing inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin layer covering both the white part of the eye (the sclera) and the inner surface of the eyelids. The inflammation causes redness, discomfort, grittiness, and dryness of the eyes. If the condition is not treated, it may permanently damage sight by causing scarring of the cornea. cause skin rashes and blistering. Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid
The signs and symptoms of scleroderma vary depending on which parts of the body are affected. Most people with scleroderma experience hardening and tightening of patches of skin. These patches may be shaped like ovals or straight lines, or they may cover wide areas of the trunk and limbs. The number, location, and size of the patches vary by type of scleroderma. Skin can appear shiny because it's so tight, and movement of the affected area may be restricted. One of the earliest signs of systemic scleroderma is Raynaud's disease, which causes the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes to contract in response to cold temperatures or emotional distress. When this happens, the fingers or toes may turn blue or feel painful or numb. Scleroderma can cause a variety of digestive symptoms, depending on which part of the digestive tract is affected. It can also affect the function of the heart, lungs, or kidneys to varying degrees. Psoriasis With psoriasis, the immune system attack affects the skin, resulting in raised red, white, or silvery patches (Mayo Clinic, 2023). This a common skin condition that speeds up the skin cells’ life cycle. It causes cells to build up rapidly on the skin’s surface. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful. The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type. The most common variety is plaque psoriasis, which includes plaques of red skin that are often covered with silver-colored scales. These plaques may be itchy and painful, and they sometimes crack and bleed. In severe cases, the plaques grow and merge, covering large areas. Disorders of the fingernails and toenails, including discoloration and pitting of the nails, are common. The nails may also crumble or detach from the nail bed. Also, plaques of scales or crust on the scalp are common. Dermatomyositis Dermatomyositis is an uncommon inflammatory disease marked by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash (Mayo Clinic, 2023). The most common signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis include the appearance of a violet- colored or dusky red rash. This is most commonly on the face and eyelids, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest, and back. The rash, which can be itchy and painful, is often the first sign of dermatomyositis. Another symptom is muscle weakness. Progressive muscle weakness involves the muscles closest to the trunk, such as those in the hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms, and neck. The weakness affects both the left and right sides of the body and tends to gradually worsen. Epidermolysis bullosa Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of rare diseases that cause fragile, blistering skin (Mayo Clinic, 2023). The blisters may appear in response to minor injury, or from heat, rubbing, scratching, or adhesive tape. In severe cases, the blisters may occur inside the body, such as the lining of the mouth or the stomach. Epidermolysis bullosa signs and symptoms vary depending on type. They include fragile skin that blisters easily, especially on the hands and feet; nails that are thick or don't form; blisters inside the mouth and throat; thickened skin on the palms and soles of the feet; scalp blistering; scarring and hair loss (scarring alopecia); thin-appearing skin (atrophic scarring); tiny white skin bumps or pimples (milia); dental problems such as tooth decay from poorly formed enamel; difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); and itchy, painful skin.
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Book Code: CGA0525
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