Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease that causes blistering lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. There are several different types of pemphigus, each with its own set of symptoms and causes. While there is no cure for pemphigus, there are treatments that can help control the symptoms. With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with pemphigus can lead normal, productive lives.
What is pemphigus and what are the different types of it?
Pemphigus is an autoimmune skin disorder that causes blisters and sores. There are three main types of pemphigus: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, and pemphigus erythematosus.
- Pemphigus vulgaris is the most common type of pemphigus. It typically affects middle-aged adults and can cause blisters on the face, scalp, chest, and back.
- Pemphigus foliaceus is a less common type of pemphigus. It usually affects older adults and can cause blistering on the scalp, face, ears, and chest.
- Pemphigus erythematosus is the rarest type of pemphigus. It typically affects young adults and can cause blisters on the chest, back, and face.
What are the symptoms of pemphigus?
The most common symptom of pemphigus is blistering skin. Blisters can form anywhere on the body, but they are most likely to form on the face, scalp, chest, or back. Other symptoms of pemphigus include:
If left untreated, pemphigus can lead to serious complications, such as infection and dehydration.
What causes pemphigus?
Pemphigus is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. In the case of pemphigus, the immune system attacks the proteins that hold skin cells together. This can cause the skin to blister and peel.
The exact cause of pemphigus is unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
How pemphigus is diagnosed?
Pemphigus is diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, and lab tests. The most common lab test used to diagnose pemphigus is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies against the skin proteins. Other tests that may be used include:
- a skin biopsy, which is a test of skin tissue taken from a blister
- a desquamation test, which is a test to measure the number of skin cells that are shed from the surface of the skin
- a mucosal biopsy, which is a test of mucous tissue taken from the mouth or other mucous membranes
After a diagnosis of pemphigus is made, the best skin specialist will determine which type of pemphigus it is. This is important because the different types of pemphigus can have different treatments.
What are the complications of pemphigus?
If left untreated, pemphigus can lead to serious complications, such as infection and dehydration. Infection is a common complication of pemphigus because the blisters can provide an entry point for bacteria. Dehydration is another common complication because the body loses fluids through the blisters. Other complications of pemphigus include:
- joint pain
- muscle weakness
- difficulty swallowing
- difficulty breathing
- kidney failure
Where does pemphigus form on the body?
Pemphigus can form on any area of the body, but typically appears on the face, scalp, chest, and/or groin.
Pemphigus can form on any area of the body, but typically appears on the face, scalp, chest, and/or groin. The most common type of pemphigus is pemphigus Vulgaris, which accounts for approximately 85% of cases. Other types of pemphigus include:
Pemphigus foliaceus: This type of pemphigus affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is the second most common type of pemphigus.
Paraneoplastic pemphigus: This type of pemphigus is a rare disorder that occurs in people who have cancer.
Drug-induced pemphigus: This type of pemphigus can be caused by certain medications, including antibiotics and anti-seizure medications.
IgA pemphigus: This type of pemphigus is a rare disorder that affects people who have high levels of IgA antibodies in their blood.
How is pemphigus treated and what are the possible side effects of treatment?
There is no cure for pemphigus, but there are treatments that can help control the symptoms. The most common treatment for pemphigus is oral steroids. Other medications that may be used to treat pemphigus include azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil. These drugs can help reduce inflammation and blistering. Other treatments that may be used include:
- immunosuppressants, which are drugs that suppress the immune system
- biologic agents, which are drugs that target specific parts of the immune system
- surgery, which may be used to remove blisters or other lesions
With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with pemphigus can lead normal, productive lives.
Possible side effects of treatment include the following:
- weight gain
- mood swings
- bone loss
- high blood pressure
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- skin infections
If you have pemphigus, it is important to see a dermatologist or other healthcare provider regularly so that your condition can be monitored and treated if necessary.
How to manage Pemphigus?
If you are living with pemphigus, there are a few things you can do to help manage the condition. First, it is important to see your top skin specialist regularly and follow their recommendations for treatment. You may also need to make some changes to your lifestyle to help reduce your risk of flare-ups. Some things you can do include:
- avoiding direct sun exposure
- use sunscreen if you do have to go outside
- keeping your skin moisturized
- avoiding triggers such as cigarette smoke, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperatures
- managing stress
If you have pemphigus, it is also important to take steps to prevent infections. This includes washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. You may also need to take antibiotics before certain medical procedures to reduce your risk of infection.
1. What triggers pemphigus?
Experts believe it is caused when a person with a genetic proclivity for this disorder comes into touch with an environmental trigger, such as a chemical or medicine. Pemphigus Vulgaris may disappear if the trigger is eliminated in some circumstances.
2. How long does pemphigus Vulgaris last?
The blisters, particularly those in the mouth, will heal slowly. Blisters usually stop growing after two to three weeks. On average, blister healing takes six to eight weeks. However, complete recovery might take years in rare cases.
3. How long does it take to cure pemphigus?
Patients often take 1–3 months for the lesions to heal completely. As soon as disease control is achieved, begin decreasing steroids.