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Bullous pemphigoid

By Dr. Pascal Bafteh · last updated 09/2026

Bullous pemphigoid: urticarial plaques and scattered blisters on the back of an 88-year-old man
Hansmuller, „Bullous pemphigoid - male patient - 88 years old, 2005", CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
Bullous pemphigoid: tense, partly haemorrhagic blisters on an erythematous base on the lower leg
Mohammad2018, „Bullous pemphigoid new image", CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

Overview

Autoantibodies: linear deposition along the basement membrane zone of IgG and C3 in a smooth, band-like pattern against hemidesmosomes or against BP180 & BP230. In histology, the salt-split skin method is used to demonstrate antibody deposition on the blister roof by achieving a separation at the lamina Lucida of the basement membrane through NaCl solution. This allows the disease to be distinguished from Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita (here antibodies at the blister floor). Triggers: Tumors, infections, UV radiation or medications such as DPP-4 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, Rivaroxaban, Amoxicillin, Terbinafine.

Differential diagnoses

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In the DermaFuchs app: 4 flashcards · 8 clinical images

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Sources (selection)

  1. Leung et al. 2020

More blistering diseases

Note: This page is intended for medical education and does not replace diagnosis or treatment decisions in individual cases. Treatment and follow-up content is available in the app.