What is cicatricial pemphigoid (sicuh-tri-shul pem-fuh-goyd)?
Cicatricial pemphigoid is a relatively uncommon blistering disease that mostly affects the mucous membranes, that is, the moist linings of the mouth, the eyes, the nose and throat, and the vagina. Sometimes only one or two of these areas are affected at first, and the condition may spread to other areas, including the skin, if it is not treated. Who gets cicatricial pemphigoid? Cicatricial pemphigoid is a condition that primarily affects middle-aged or older adults. Either sex can get the disease, but women are affected slightly more often than men. Can I spread this disease to my family and friends? No. Cicatricial pemphigoid is not a disease that can be passed from one person to another like the flu. Probably the best explanation as to what is happening in cicatricial pemphigoid is that it is a type of unusual allergic reaction. In the case of cicatricial pemphigoid, however, instead of being allergic to, say, strawberries or seafood, the body is sort of allergic to itself. In other
