The Journal of Society Medicine (JSOCMED)
Vol. 5 No. 8 (2026): August

Bullous Pemphigoid in a Young Female: A Case Report

Cut P. Hazlianda (Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia)
Elza Wahyuni (Resident of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease, mediated by autoantibodies against hemidesmosomal proteins BP180 and BP230, which activate the complement system, recruit eosinophils and neutrophils, and produce subepidermal bullae. Although BP typically affects older adults, it can occasionally arise in young patients, and prompt recognition and objective monitoring of disease activity are important. Case Description: A 22-year-old woman presented with a two-week history of pruritic, fluid-filled tense bullae over the trunk, axillae, forearms, palms, and thighs, which were unresponsive to topical betamethasone and cetirizine. Examination revealed tense, clear, and hemorrhagic bullae on erythematous macules with a negative Nikolsky’s sign, and the initial Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index (BPDAI) was 23 (moderate). Histopathological examination revealed subepidermal bullae with eosinophil- and neutrophil-rich infiltrates, confirming the BP diagnosis. Laboratory testing revealed thrombocytopenia underlying the hemorrhagic lesions, and oral mucosal involvement was observed during follow-up. She was treated with systemic and topical corticosteroids, an antihistamine, and supportive care. The BPDAI progressively decreased to 17 at two weeks and 7 at three weeks, with no new lesions. Conclusion: Oral and topical corticosteroids were effective in treating moderate bullous pemphigoid in this patient. Serial BPDAI scoring provides a practical and objective measure of treatment response and supports timely dose adjustment.

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Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience

Description

The Journal of Society Medicine (JSOCMED) | ISSN (e): 2964-5565 is a leading voice in the Indonesia and internationally for medicine and healthcare. Published continuously, JSOCMED features scholarly comment and clinical research. JSOCMED is editorially independent from and its The Editor-in-Chief ...