title: Widespread dermal ulcerations and bullae.
abstract: Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disease of the skin characterized by large, tense bullae resulting in significant morbidity in affected individuals. The diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid may present challenges due to clinical similarities with various other bullous eruptions. Frequently, epidemiological features can provide clues to the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid, with histologic analysis commonly required for definitive diagnosis. This case study illustrates the typical clinical and histologic findings seen in bullous pemphigoid patients and briefly discusses the differential diagnosis. An in-depth understanding of the intricate pathophysiology is essential in order to educate patients. After diagnosis and appropriate workup, an array of treatment approaches, including topical and systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, and even monoclonal antibodies, may be utilized individually or in combination to achieve an optimal therapeutic response.
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbuck, Texas (Wofford), and the Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas (Patel, Readinger, Menter).
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wofford
authors.forename: Mahir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Readinger
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Menter