Overview
Definition
Autoimmune blistering skin disease of older adults.
Epidemiology
Varies globally depending on genetics, environment, or exposure.
Etiology & Risk Factors
- IgG autoantibodies against hemidesmosomes (BP180/BP230).
Clinical Symptoms
- Tense
- severe pruritic bullae (blisters) on skin
- negative Nikolsky sign
- usually spares oral mucosa.
Clinical Approach
Diagnosis
- Skin biopsy with direct immunofluorescence (linear IgG along basement membrane).
Management
- Topical or systemic corticosteroids.
Complications
- Infection of ruptured blisters.