Pemphigus vulgaris
Pemphigus is a group of rare skin diseases characterized by the appearance of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, such as the mouth and genitals.
There are two main types of diseases – pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceus. As vulgaris is the most common form.
The clinical condition can occur at any age, but most commonly affects middle-aged or elderly people.
Chronic disease is usually best controlled if it is detected early and promptly treated, which may consist of medication and procedures similar to those used for severe burns.
What are the symptoms?
The characteristic blisters that appear on the skin and mucous membranes burst easily, leaving open wounds from which less secretion flows and infection is possible.
Clinical manifestations are distinguished depending on the type of disease:
• Pemphigus vulgaris – usually begins with the formation of blisters in the mouth, which subsequently appear on the skin.
Vesicles can also form on the mucous membranes of the genitals. All blisters are usually painful but not itchy. Vesicles in the mouth or throat can make swallowing very difficult.
• Foliaceous – in most cases the mucous membranes are not affected.
Vesicles initially most often appear on the face and scalp, later forming on the chest and back, they are usually not painful. And most often they form a crust.
See your GP if blisters appear in your mouth or on your skin.
If you have already been diagnosed with the disease and have started treatment, seek medical help if you develop any of the following symptoms:
• New blisters or sores form;
• Rapid increase in the number of sores;
• Fever and chills;
• Sore muscles or joints;< /p>
What are the causes?
The disease is of an autoimmune origin and in most cases no cause for its occurrence can be found.
Usually the immune system foreign bodies, such as disease-causing viruses and bacteria.
But in diseases of this origin, the body’s defense system mistakenly forms antibodies attacking the healthy cells of the skin and mucous membranes.
Sometimes the disease develops as a side effect of some drugs such as some blood pressure normalizing agents or chelating agents.
When the clinical condition has such a causative agent, it usually resolves on its own after discontinuation of the drug.
What are the complications?
• Skin infection;
• Infection that has entered the bloodstream and is spreading through it /sepsis/;
• Rarely, death caused from severe infection;
• Side effects of treatment, such as increased risk of infection;
Treatment of pemphigus vulgaris
To improve the condition of your skin and your overall health, you can do the following:
• Minimize trauma to your skin. Avoid situations where your skin may be touched or hit, such as contact sports;
• Consult your GP on how to care for your wounds in the event of an injury to prevent infection and scarring;
• Use talcum powder – sprinkle talcum powder on your sheets to prevent sticking to your skin;
• To relieve discomfort, treat your wounds with soothing or drying lotions, and after applying them, place moist bandages over the injured areas.
But before applying bandages and lotions for the first time consult your doctor.
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods, as well as those containing garlic, onions or leeks, as their consumption can cause skin irritation and even blisters.
