skin disorders
Bullous Pemphigoid
Treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid
Corticosteroids (in cream or pill form) Sometimes other drugs, including immunosuppressants for people with severe disease Initially, doctors give people potent corticosteroid creams, such asclobetasol, to apply directly to the skin. These creams may reduce the need for drugs taken by mouth. People who have blisters on large portions of skin often need the corticosteroidprednisonetaken by mouth, which is gradually reduced (tapered) after several weeks. Most people are symptom-free after 2 to 10 months, but treatment may need to be continued for several years before it can be stopped completely. The combination of nicotinamide and eitherminocyclineortetracyclineis sometimes successful in treating bullous pemphigoid. Other drug options include treatment with onlydapsone, sulfapyridine, orerythromycin. Immune globulin given by vein (intravenously) is used occasionally. Sometimes, drugs that suppress the immune system, such asmethotrexate,azathioprine,mycophenolatemofetil,rituximab,omalizumab, orcyclophosphamide, are given to people with severe disease that does not respond to other treatment. Although some skin care, such as keeping the affected areas clean to prevent infection and perhaps wearing loose-fitting clothes, may be needed, most people do not require hospitalization for intensive skin care treatment. 