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Considerations for bullous pemphigoid management

The management of bullous pemphigoid is challenging and new treatment approaches are needed. Read this article to find out more.

Bullous pemphigoid management: The complexities of treating a chronic skin disease in a fragile patient population

Bullous pemphigoid can have relapse rates of up to 53%, regardless of treatments1,2

The relapse rate of bullous pemphigoid is high – up to 53%, and the majority of relapses occur within 6 months of remission1

Estimated relapse rates of patients with bullous pemphigoid at different timepoints after disease remission or treatment withdrawal, based on a meta-analysis study1

Figure adapted from Wang Y, et al. Ann Med. 2018.

The ultimate goal of bullous pemphigoid management is long-term disease control3

Treatment for bullous pemphigoid should aim to:3–7

Treatment strategies should account for the distinct challenges of bullous pemphigoid8–12

As bullous pemphigoid is most prevalent in the elderly, treatment strategies should consider the following key challenges of older patients with bullous pemphigoid8–12



High burden of bullous pemphigoid itself, and comorbidities9,11


Increased risk of adverse events with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants8,9,13


Risks associated with polypharmacy12


Age-related changes in drug metabolism and decreased drug tolerance10

Due to the chronicity of bullous pemphigoid, a safe and effective long-tern management approach is needed to reduce the risk of relapse and achieve disease remission11

What is bullous pemphigoid?


Learn about bullous pemphigoid and its clinical characteristics

 

Morbidity and mortality in bullous pemphigoid


Learn about the significant burden experienced by patients with bullous pemphigoid

 

What are the contributing factors in bullous pemphigoid?


Learn about autoimmunity and the role of type 2 inflammation in the pathophysiology of bullous pemphigoid

 

Current treatment approaches and challenges in bullous pemphigoid


Learn more about bullous pemphigoid treatment approaches and the current challenges

 

  1. Wang Y, et al. Ann Med. 2018;50(3):234–9.
  2. Fincel, et al. JAMA Dermatol. 2014;150(1):25–33.
  3. Borradori L, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022;36(10):1689–04.
  4. Lee J, et al. Front Immunol. 2019;10:2219.
  5. Hopkins ZH, et al. JAMA Dermatol. 2023;159(11):1185–94.
  6. Chang TH, et al. Acta Derm Venereol. 2023;103:adv5329.
  7. Tedbirt B, et al. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(4):421–30.
  8. Pratasava V, et al. Medicina (Kaunas). 2021;57(10):1061.
  9. Khalid SN, et al. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2021;70:102799.
  10. Kinirons MT and O’Mahony MS. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2004;57(5):540–4.
  11. Bernard P and Antonicelli F. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2017;18(4):513–28.
  12. Försti AK, et al. Acta Derm Venereol. 2016;96(6):758–61.
  13. Meurer M. Clin Dermatol. 2012;30(1):78–83.
MAT-SA-2500498/V1/June 2025