Abstract

Pemphigoid is a group of rare autoimmune blistering skin diseases. As its name indicates, pemphigoid is similar in general appearance to pemphigus, but, unlike pemphigus, pemphigoid does not feature acantholysis, a loss of connections between skin cells.

Pemphigoid is more common than pemphigus, and is slightly more common in women than in men. It is also more common in people over 60 years of age than it is in younger people.

Classification | IgG

The forms of pemphigoid are considered to be connective tissue autoimmune skin diseases. There are several types:

- Gestational pemphigoid or Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) (formerly called Herpes gestationis)

- Bullous pemphigoid (BP) Rarely affect the mouth

- Mucous membrane pemphigoid, also known as Cicatricial pemphigoid (CP) (No skin involvement)

Bullous and Cicatricial pemphigoids usually affect persons who are over age 60. Gestational pemphigoid occurs during pregnancy, typically in the second or third trimester, and/or immediately following pregnancy.

Classification | IgA

Pemphigoid is usually considered to be mediated by IgG, but IgA-mediated forms have also been described.

IgA-mediated immunobullous diseases can often be difficult to treat even with usually effective medications such as rituximab.