Autoimmune & inflammatory conditions

Bullous pemphigoid — beauty treatment safety

Name: Bullous pemphigoid: which treatments are safe?
Creator: Anna

Also called Bullous pemphigoid, autoimmune blistering, blistering skin disease.

In short

On this page, Bullous pemphigoid is checked against 88 treatments: 88 are ones to avoid. The tightest restrictions are in Facials and Body Treatments.

Most oftenAvoid

Every treatment name opens its own page

Facials

25 treatments · all 25 to avoid

Facials — Bullous pemphigoid
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	AHA Peel (Glycolic / Lactic / Mandelic)Also: glycolic peel, lactic peel, mandelic peel, alpha hydroxy peel, light chemical peel Why, and the source — AHA Peel (Glycolic / Lactic / Mandelic) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	BHA Peel (Salicylic)Also: salicylic peel, beta hydroxy peel, acne peel Why, and the source — BHA Peel (Salicylic) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Carbon Laser FacialAlso: Hollywood peel, China doll peel, carbon peel Why, and the source — Carbon Laser Facial Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Classic FacialAlso: European facial, deep cleansing facial, traditional facial Why, and the source — Classic Facial Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Cryo FacialAlso: ice facial, cold therapy facial, frotox Why, and the source — Cryo Facial Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	DermaplaningAlso: blade exfoliation, facial shaving, peach fuzz removal Why, and the source — Dermaplaning Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Enzyme PeelAlso: fruit enzyme peel, papain peel, bromelain peel Why, and the source — Enzyme Peel Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Express FacialAlso: mini facial, 30-minute facial, lunchtime facial Why, and the source — Express Facial Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Galvanic FacialAlso: iontophoresis, desincrustation, galvanic current Why, and the source — Galvanic Facial Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	HIFU (Ultherapy)Also: Ultherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, non-surgical lifting, ultrasound lifting Why, and the source — HIFU (Ultherapy) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	High-Frequency FacialAlso: high-frequency wand, violet ray treatment Why, and the source — High-Frequency Facial Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	HydraFacialAlso: hydradermabrasion, hydra facial, aqua facial Why, and the source — HydraFacial Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Jessner's PeelAlso: combination peel, modified Jessner Why, and the source — Jessner's Peel Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	LED Light TherapyAlso: red light therapy, blue light therapy, yellow light therapy, LED facial Why, and the source — LED Light Therapy Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Mesotherapy (Facial)Also: meso facial, vitamin injections, skin booster injections (face) Why, and the source — Mesotherapy (Facial) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Microcurrent FacialAlso: NuFace, non-surgical facelift, facial toning Why, and the source — Microcurrent Facial Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	MicrodermabrasionAlso: crystal microdermabrasion, diamond microdermabrasion, MDA Why, and the source — Microdermabrasion Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	MicroneedlingAlso: dermapen, dermaroller, collagen induction therapy, CIT, skin needling Why, and the source — Microneedling Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Oxygen FacialAlso: Intraceuticals, oxygen infusion facial Why, and the source — Oxygen Facial Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Phenol Peel (Deep)Also: deep chemical peel, Baker-Gordon peel Why, and the source — Phenol Peel (Deep) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	PRP Facial (Vampire Facial)Also: platelet-rich plasma facial, vampire facial, blood facial Why, and the source — PRP Facial (Vampire Facial) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Radiofrequency (RF) FacialAlso: Thermage, Venus Freeze (face), skin tightening RF Why, and the source — Radiofrequency (RF) Facial Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	RF MicroneedlingAlso: Morpheus8, Profound, Vivace, Genius RF, radio frequency microneedling Why, and the source — RF Microneedling Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	TCA Peel (Medium)Also: trichloroacetic acid peel, medium depth peel Why, and the source — TCA Peel (Medium) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Ultrasound FacialAlso: ultrasonic facial, cavitation peel Why, and the source — Ultrasound Facial Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation

Injectables

11 treatments · all 11 to avoid

Injectables — Bullous pemphigoid
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Biostimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse)Also: Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse, collagen stimulators, PLLA, calcium hydroxylapatite Why, and the source — Biostimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Botox / NeurotoxinAlso: botulinum toxin, Dysport, Xeomin, Azzalure, Bocouture, anti-wrinkle injections, wrinkle relaxers, tox Why, and the source — Botox / Neurotoxin Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Cheek FillersAlso: midface filler, cheek augmentation, Voluma Why, and the source — Cheek Fillers Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Dermal Fillers (General)Also: hyaluronic acid fillers, HA fillers, Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero Why, and the source — Dermal Fillers (General) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Fat-Dissolving InjectionsAlso: Aqualyx, Kybella, deoxycholic acid, lipolysis injections Why, and the source — Fat-Dissolving Injections Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Lip FillersAlso: lip augmentation, lip enhancement, lip injections Why, and the source — Lip Fillers Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Mesotherapy (Body)Also: body meso, fat-loss mesotherapy, cellulite mesotherapy Why, and the source — Mesotherapy (Body) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	PDO Thread LiftAlso: thread lift, PDO threads, PLLA threads, Silhouette Soft, non-surgical thread lift Why, and the source — PDO Thread Lift Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	PolynucleotidesAlso: Plinest, Newest, PN injection, salmon DNA injection Why, and the source — Polynucleotides Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Skin Boosters (Profhilo, Restylane Skinbooster)Also: Profhilo, Restylane Vital, Restylane Skinbooster, hydration injections Why, and the source — Skin Boosters (Profhilo, Restylane Skinbooster) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Tear Trough FillersAlso: under-eye filler, under-eye treatment Why, and the source — Tear Trough Fillers Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation

Laser & Light

7 treatments · all 7 to avoid

Laser & Light — Bullous pemphigoid
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Fractional Ablative LaserAlso: CO2 laser, Erbium laser, ablative resurfacing Why, and the source — Fractional Ablative Laser Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Fractional Non-Ablative LaserAlso: Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, non-ablative resurfacing Why, and the source — Fractional Non-Ablative Laser Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)Also: intense pulsed light, photofacial, fotofacial, IPL photorejuvenation Why, and the source — IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Laser Hair RemovalAlso: LHR, diode laser, Alexandrite laser, Nd:YAG laser, permanent hair reduction Why, and the source — Laser Hair Removal Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)Also: PDT, blue light + ALA therapy, Levulan therapy Why, and the source — Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Pigment Laser (Q-Switched / Pico)Also: Q-switched laser, Pico laser, PicoSure, PicoWay, tattoo removal laser Why, and the source — Pigment Laser (Q-Switched / Pico) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Vascular LaserAlso: V-Beam, KTP laser, pulsed dye laser, broken capillaries laser Why, and the source — Vascular Laser Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation

Body Treatments

15 treatments · all 15 to avoid

Body Treatments — Bullous pemphigoid
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Aromatherapy MassageAlso: essential oil massage Why, and the source — Aromatherapy Massage Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Body PeelAlso: chemical body peel, back peel, body acid treatment Why, and the source — Body Peel Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Body ScrubAlso: body exfoliation, salt scrub, sugar scrub, body polish Why, and the source — Body Scrub Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Body WrapsAlso: algae wrap, mud wrap, paraffin wrap, seaweed wrap, detox wrap Why, and the source — Body Wraps Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)Also: CoolSculpting, fat freezing, cool sculpting, Zeltiq Why, and the source — Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Deep Tissue MassageAlso: sports massage, remedial massage, firm pressure massage Why, and the source — Deep Tissue Massage Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	EMSculpt / EMS Body TreatmentsAlso: EMSculpt, Emsella, electromagnetic muscle stimulation, HIFEM Why, and the source — EMSculpt / EMS Body Treatments Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	EndermologieAlso: LPG, mechanical roller massage, endermology, cellulite massage Why, and the source — Endermologie Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Hot Stone MassageAlso: stone therapy, geothermal massage Why, and the source — Hot Stone Massage Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Lymphatic Drainage MassageAlso: MLD, manual lymphatic drainage, Vodder technique Why, and the source — Lymphatic Drainage Massage Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Prenatal / Pregnancy MassageAlso: pregnancy massage, maternity massage Why, and the source — Prenatal / Pregnancy Massage Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	PressotherapyAlso: compression boots, Ballancer, lymphatic pressotherapy Why, and the source — Pressotherapy Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Radiofrequency Body TreatmentsAlso: Venus Legacy, Exilis, body RF, skin tightening RF (body) Why, and the source — Radiofrequency Body Treatments Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Swedish MassageAlso: classic massage, relaxation massage, full-body massage Why, and the source — Swedish Massage Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Ultrasonic CavitationAlso: body cavitation, ultrasonic fat reduction, cavi-lipo Why, and the source — Ultrasonic Cavitation Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation

Hair Removal

6 treatments · all 6 to avoid

Hair Removal — Bullous pemphigoid
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Depilatory CreamAlso: chemical hair removal, hair removal cream, Veet, Nair Why, and the source — Depilatory Cream Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	ElectrolysisAlso: needle electrolysis, permanent hair removal, galvanic electrolysis Why, and the source — Electrolysis Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Hot WaxAlso: hard wax, Brazilian wax, hot wax depilation Why, and the source — Hot Wax Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Strip Wax (Soft Wax)Also: soft wax, strip waxing, honey wax Why, and the source — Strip Wax (Soft Wax) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	SugaringAlso: sugar paste depilation, Egyptian sugaring, Persian sugaring Why, and the source — Sugaring Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	ThreadingAlso: eyebrow threading, facial threading, khite Why, and the source — Threading Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation

Nails

10 treatments · all 10 to avoid

Nails — Bullous pemphigoid
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Acrylic NailsAlso: liquid and powder nails, L&P nails, sculpted acrylics Why, and the source — Acrylic Nails Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Builder Gel / BIABAlso: BIAB, builder in a bottle, hard gel, structure gel Why, and the source — Builder Gel / BIAB Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Classic ManicureAlso: regular manicure, traditional manicure, polish manicure Why, and the source — Classic Manicure Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Classic PedicureAlso: regular pedicure, spa pedicure Why, and the source — Classic Pedicure Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Gel ManicureAlso: Shellac, gel polish, soak-off gel, CND Shellac Why, and the source — Gel Manicure Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Gel PedicureAlso: Shellac pedicure, gel polish pedicure Why, and the source — Gel Pedicure Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Medical PedicureAlso: med pedi, podiatry pedicure, Margaret Dabbs pedicure Why, and the source — Medical Pedicure Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Nail Strengthening TreatmentsAlso: IBX, nail repair treatment, nail bond treatment Why, and the source — Nail Strengthening Treatments Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Polygel NailsAlso: poly gel, gel-acrylic hybrid Why, and the source — Polygel Nails Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Press-On NailsAlso: adhesive nails, stick-on nails, nail tips Why, and the source — Press-On Nails Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation

Lashes & Brows

8 treatments · all 8 to avoid

Lashes & Brows — Bullous pemphigoid
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Brow LaminationAlso: brow perm, brow sculpting Why, and the source — Brow Lamination Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Brow TintAlso: eyebrow tinting, brow dye Why, and the source — Brow Tint Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Classic Lash ExtensionsAlso: individual lashes, 1:1 lash extensions Why, and the source — Classic Lash Extensions Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Henna BrowsAlso: henna brow tinting Why, and the source — Henna Brows Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Hybrid Lash ExtensionsAlso: mixed lash extensions Why, and the source — Hybrid Lash Extensions Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Lash LiftAlso: lash perm, keratin lash lift Why, and the source — Lash Lift Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Lash TintAlso: eyelash tinting, lash dye Why, and the source — Lash Tint Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Volume Lash ExtensionsAlso: Russian volume, fan lashes, 2D-6D lashes Why, and the source — Volume Lash Extensions Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation

Permanent Makeup (PMU)

6 treatments · all 6 to avoid

Permanent Makeup (PMU) — Bullous pemphigoid
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Areola TattooAlso: 3D nipple tattoo, post-mastectomy tattoo Why, and the source — Areola Tattoo Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Eyeliner TattooAlso: permanent eyeliner, lash line enhancement, lash line tattoo Why, and the source — Eyeliner Tattoo Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Lip Blush / Lip TattooAlso: lip tint tattoo, permanent lip colour, aquarelle lips Why, and the source — Lip Blush / Lip Tattoo Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Microblading (Eyebrows)Also: eyebrow embroidery, feather brows, hair-stroke brows Why, and the source — Microblading (Eyebrows) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Powder Brows / Ombré BrowsAlso: machine brows, ombre brows, shading brows Why, and the source — Powder Brows / Ombré Brows Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation
Avoid	Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)Also: SMP, hair tattoo, scalp tattoo Why, and the source — Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) Autoimmune blistering diseases make the skin extraordinarily fragile — in pemphigus, gentle sideways pressure on normal-looking skin is enough to lift it and start a new blister. Beauty treatments in that situation can set off a flare, cause painful blistering, let infection in and make the disease itself worse, and that is true of gentle treatments as much as strong ones. These conditions are looked after by dermatology and immunology teams, and most people are on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressing medicines at the same time, which adds infection risk on top. Treatments wait until the disease is in stable remission and your dermatologist has said yes. Nothing about this is contagious — it is about protecting your skin, not anyone else's. Sources: British Association of DermatologistsInternational Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation

Sources

British Association of DermatologistsGuidelines for the management of bullous pemphigoid
International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid FoundationLiving with pemphigus and pemphigoid

Written by Anna · London-trained cosmetologist

Last updated 3 September 2026

Every treatment, checked