A very rare, unique autoimmune condition of the skin which is characterized with chronic, blisters, hives, urticarial and itching. Autoimmune is when the immune system attacks its system, instead of protecting the body against harmful bacteria, viruses, and disease it produces antibodies against healthy tissue, cells, and organs which deteriorate the immune system. Along with Bullous pemphigoid (BP), some people also have other immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Diabetes. It usually begins with a red itchy rash that lasts for a few days, and later affects larger areas of the body, after a few days blisters begin to form and possibly may contain blood. Bullous pemphigoid usually occurs in people aged above 60 years.

CAUSES:

As Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disease, it triggers immune system healthy cells on its own. The immune system produces antibodies that connect to the outer layer of the skin that is epidermis and the skin under its dermis.

Contributing factors:

  1. It has been reported that exposure to ultraviolet light and radiation therapy could be a possible reason
  2. The onset of Pemphigoid has been associated with drugs, including furosemide, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) agents, DPP-4 inhibitors, Captopril, Penicillamine, and Antibiotics
  3. Other medical conditions like psoriasis, lichen planus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis may trigger Bullous pemphigoid (BP)

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Starts with Itching
  • Rash that lasts for a few days
  • Blisters start to appear
  • Blisters are filled with fluid
  • Blister is ruptured
  • Discolored skin with freshly cleared blisters
  • New formation of blisters

DIETARY TIPS AND REMEDIES

  1. Cut down on sulfur-containing vegetables such as garlic, onion, leeks, and cabbage. It is believed to be an inducer for the onset of Bullous pemphigoid, eating trigger foods can result in inflammation and ends up disrupting the gut microbiota
  2. Avoid Alcohol, Red meat, Beef, and Pork. They are high in purine, Purine break downs into uric acid to form crystal deposits in the joint and causes pain and inflammation.
  3. Include food rich in antioxidants that helps fight free radicals.
  4. To avoid any further infections take precautions, keep cleaning and dressing the wound with clean water and cloth.
  5. If you injure your skin new blisters can form, try not to injure yourself
  6. Stress can worsen the disease stay calm, meditate, and try to do things that give you happiness watch series, paint, and draw. Find ways to combat stress
  7. If blisters are formed in the mouth eat bland, soft foods. Avoid hard crunchy food like peanuts, chips, and papad .raw vegetable. Hot, spicy, oily, acidic food can cause be irritant to ulcers
  8. Avoid sunlight exposure, stay away from heat as that can cause the blisters to spread
  9. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes
  10. People with chronic health conditions bullous Pemphigoid are more likely to have vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Vitamin D:
One of the most important vitamins needed for Pemphigoid patients as they are advised to cut off sun exposure, so vitamin D supplements are necessary for the same.

Calcium:
Calcium helps maintain bone, vitamin D and calcium are inversely related, when taking a Vitamin D supplement calcium supplement is necessary for better absorption.

Iron:
Some medications containing Dapsone that are used for the treatment of this condition can also cause a decrease in hemoglobin levels and hematocrit leading to anemia.