Part I: Immunology and diagnostic tests-B-cells, autoantibodies and isotypes -- Dermatological examination of bullous diseases -- How to take a biopsy -- Direct immunofluorescence -- Indirect immunofluorescence -- Immunoblot -- ELISA testing -- Part II: Pemphigus-Structure of desmosomes -- Pemphigus foliaceus -- Pemphigus vulgaris -- Paraneoplastic pemphigus -- IgA pemphigus -- Part III:�Pemphigoids-Structure of hemidesmosomes and basement membrane zone -- Cutaneous pemphigoid -- Mucous membrane pemphigoid -- Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita -- Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus -- Linear IgA Disease -- Part IV: Other inflammatory bullous diseases-Dermatitis herpetiformis -- Erythema multiforme -- Porphyria and pseudoporphyria -- Bullous dermatitis artefacta -- Part V: Resources-Patient support groups -- International centres for AIBD.

This book provides a quick study and reference guide for physicians who treat patients with autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs), the most life-threatening inflammatory diseases of the skin. AIBDs are rare, and comprise less than 1% of the dermatological patients. As such, they are often given little focus in general dermatology literature, despite being complicated and demanding diseases . Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Study Guide: Text and Review is written in direct and simple diction with tables and figures to practically illustrate this difficult field.� At the end of each chapter the reader is challenged to check the learned matter with multiple-choice questions.� It contains protocols and follows international guidelines, making it suitable study material for courses on autoimmune bullous diseases. Residents and researchers in dermatology and adjacent disciplines will find this book useful as a quick guide when dealing with these patients.