Pemphigus : Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment
What is pemphigus?
Pemphigus is a disease that causes skin blisters and sores on various body parts, such as the skin or mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, or genitals.
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Pemphigus can occur at any age, but it is most common in middle-aged or older people. It can be a long-term condition and some types can be life-threatening without treatment.Usually, controlling diabetes with medication works well.
The integumentary system of humans is the largest organ system of the human body. The integumentary system functions to protect the body from the external environment, regulate body temperature, and synthesize vitamin D. The integumentary system includes the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. The skin is the largest organ of the integumentary system and accounts for approximately 16 percent of an individual’s total body weight. The skin is composed of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.
Medical terms
Pemphigus refers to a bunch of skin disorders that cause blisters or bumps full of pus. These typically break open, inflicting pain and making you prone to infection. skin disorder isn't contagious.
Pemphigus could be a cluster of skin disorders that cause blisters or pus-filled bumps. Lesions sometimes develop on the skin, however they will conjointly type within the secretion membranes (soft linings of the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and genitals).
The blisters are soft and break open simply to make painful sores. while not treated, they will adjoin massive areas of the body and have a high risk of infection.
Pemphigus is AN autoimmune disease which will occur in otherwise healthy folks. It's typically confused with alternative reaction blistering skin diseases like bullous pemphigoid, autoimmune disorder, and Hailey-Hailey sickness.
Pemphigus isn't contagious. It's a long condition which will be managed with current medical treatment.
Pemphigus vulgaris is an auto-immune disorder that causes skin cells to die prematurely leading to painful and itchy rashes This happens when antibodies attack the healthy proteins in the skin called desmogleins Similar to when your immune system attacks itself during an autoimmune disease such as lupus this leads to blisters The destruction of these proteins also prevents new cells from developing which results in thicker scars according to a study published in "The American Journal of Pathology."
How common is pemphigus?
Pemphigus isn’t common. The incidence of skin disorder is totally different in several locations. However, associate calculable zero.75-5 people per one million individuals are affected throughout the planet each year.
There is an illness referred to as bullous pemphigoid, that encompasses a similar name, however isn't skin disorder. Bullous pemphigoid typically affects the elderly and may be fatal.
Who is full of pemphigus?
People of Jewish descent and folks from Southeast Europe, India, and therefore the {middle east|Middle East|Mideast|Near East|geographical ara|geographic area|geographical region|geographic region} are at associate enhanced risk of developing skin disorder. The disorder generally develops in individuals aged 40-60. It's rare for kids.
Symptoms Pemphigus
Pemphigus is a condition that causes blisters on your skin and mucous membranes. These blisters easily rupture, leaving open sores that may ooze and become infected.
The signs and symptoms of pemphigus include the following:
Pemphigus vulgaris.This type of fever usually begins with blisters on your mouth and skin or in your genital mucous membranes. These blisters can be painful, but they don't itch. If you have a fever in your mouth or throat, it may be hard to swallow and eat.
Pemphigus foliaceus.This type of blisters is more itchy than painful. Pemphigus foliaceus causes blisters on the chest and back, but doesn't cause mouth blisters.
Pemphigus is a skin condition that affects people of all ages, but bullous pemphigoid is a rarer, more serious skin condition that affects older adults and may lead to death.
If you are feeling sick, you should see a doctor.
If you have blisters that don't heal, see your doctor.
Causes Pemphigus
Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells.The immune system usually produces antibodies to fight off harmful invaders such as viruses and bacteria. But in pemphigus, the body produces antibodies that damage cells in the skin and mucous membranes.
Pemphigus is not contagious. In most cases, it is unknown what causes the disease.
Pemphigus rarely occurs when using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors like penicillamine.
Risk factors Pemphigus
If you are middle-aged or older, your risk of developing pemphigus increases. Pemphigus is a condition that is more common in people of Middle Eastern or Jewish descent.
How serious is pemphigus?
Pemphigus is a very serious autoimmune skin disease The two most common types of this disorder are pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus both of which can be life threatening if left untreated Both conditions cause widespread inflammation in the skin mucous membranes and eye surfaces Pemphigus vulgaris affects the upper layer of the skin while pemphigus foliaceus is confined to the outermost layer of skin that adheres to hair follicles This second type also tends to affect mucous membranes more severely than other forms of the disease do.
Pemphigus vulgaris can be cured by a combination of medications Some doctors believe that the earlier treatment begins the better the chances of survival and remission Untreated pemphigus vulgaris is life-threatening and can lead to death However even with early treatment and medication use some people may not be able to control the condition.
Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease in which antibodies attack a patient's skin mucous membranes and blistering of the epidermis The condition can be quite painful for patients many of whom are in their 40s or older It can also cause severe stress for family members as they help patients cope with the treatment methods and chronic pain associated with pemphigus.
Can stress cause pemphigus vulgaris?
Pemphigus vulgaris is an uncommon autoimmune disease with unknown causes It usually affects middle-aged to older adults and occurs more often in women than men People who suffer from this disorder produce antibodies that attack the protective lining of the skin and mucous membranes causing blisters and sores on the body Stress may cause pemphigus vulgaris by increasing levels of cortisol a hormone produced during stress reactions that can damage the immune system.
Can pemphigus affect joints?
Pemphigus is an autoimmune skin condition in which antibodies attack the skin and mucous membranes causing blisters and open sores Two subtypes of pemphigus include pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus The former affects the outer layer of the skin while the latter targets the top layer of skin as well as hair and nails In both cases additional symptoms can occur including swelling blistering on all areas of the body except for joints and development of scar tissue that limits movement.
Complications Pemphigus
Some possible complications of pemphigus include: -The skin may become thick and leathery, and may even blister and peel. -There may be difficulty breathing, as the skin obstructs the airways. -The eyes may become infected, and the eyelids may droop down over the eyes.
Infection of your skin
Sepsis is an infection that can spread to your bloodstream.
Malnutrition can occur if mouth sores make it difficult to eat.
If you are taking medication, there are potential side effects such as high blood pressure and infection.
If pemphigus is not treated, it can lead to death.
Diagnosis Pemphigus
A number of more common conditions can cause blisters, such as pemphigus, which is rare. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in skin conditions (dermatologist), who may be able to identify the condition more easily.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and examine your skin and mouth. They may also do tests including:
A skin biopsy.In this test, a piece of tissue from a blister is removed and examined under a microscope.
Blood tests.The purpose of these tests is to detect and identify antibodies that are associated with pemphigus.
An endoscopy.If you have pemphigus vulgaris, your doctor may have you undergo an endoscopy to check for sores on your throat. This procedure involves inserting a flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat.
Treatment Pemphigus
Treatment for pemphigus usually begins with medications that suppress blister formation. It is generally more effective when it begins as early as possible. If using a medication triggered your condition, stopping its use may be enough to clear up your pemphigus.
Medications
Depending on the type and severity of your pemphigus, you may be prescribed one or more of the following medications:
- Corticosteroids.Some people with mild disease may only need to take corticosteroid cream. Others may need to take prednisone pills orally.Taking corticosteroids for a long time or in high doses can have serious side effects, including diabetes, bone loss, an increased risk of infection, stomach ulcers, and a redistribution of body fat that leads to a round face (moon face).
Steroid-sparing immunosuppressant drugs.Medications such as azathioprine (Imuran Azasan), mycophenolate (Cellcept), and cyclophosphamide help keep your immune system from attacking your body's healthy tissue. These medications may have serious side effects, including an increased risk of infection.
Other medications.If first-line drugs aren't helping your doctor may suggest another drug to try, such as intravenous immunoglobulin or rituximab (Rituxan).
Some people respond well to treatment, while others need to take a lower dose of medication indefinitely to prevent their symptoms from returning. And some people need treatment in a hospital — for example, to care for severe or infected sores.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Here are some things you can do to improve your skin and overall health:
Follow the wound care instructions that your doctor provides.Preventing infection and scarring is important when taking care of wounds. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter creams to relieve pain.
Gently wash your skin.After washing the soap off, use a mild soap and then apply moisturizer.
Protect your skin. Avoid activities that may hurt the skin.
Avoid certain foods.If you have blisters in your mouth, it might be because of spicy hot or rough foods.
Minimize sun exposure.UV light may cause new blisters.
Maintain good oral health by talking with your dentist.If you have blisters on your mouth, it may be difficult to brush your teeth properly. Ask your dentist for advice on ways to protect your oral health.
Coping and support
Pemphigus may be a difficult condition to live with, especially if it interrupts your daily activities or causes you to lose sleep or stress. You may find support from others who have the disease. You can find online or in-person support groups. Talk to your doctor for suggestions about how to best meet your needs.
Preparing for your appointment
Your primary care doctor may refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin problems (dermatologist).
Here is some information about your appointment.
What you can do
Before your appointment, make a list of:
What are the symptoms you're experiencing and how long have they been going on?
Please include any personal information you think would be helpful, like any major stresses or recent life changes.
Take all of your medications, vitamins, and supplements as directed.
Questions to ask your doctor
Some basic questions you should ask your doctor if you have pemphigus include:
What can be the cause of my symptoms?
Are there other possible causes?
Do I need to take any tests? Will the tests require any special preparations?
What are the treatments available and which would you recommend?
What are the possible side effects of treatment?
How long will it take for the blisters to heal? Will they leave marks?
Will the blisters come back again?
What can I do to ease the pain?
What are some ways that I can manage my other health conditions together?
Can I find a similar medicine that does not have the same side effects as the one you're prescribing me?
Can I take any printed materials with me? Do you have any websites that I can visit?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor might ask you several questions, including:
When did you first start having symptoms?
What do you think might help improve your symptoms?
What have you done to treat this condition on your own?
Have any of these measures helped?
What is the name of this condition?
Did you use any prescription treatments for this skin condition? If so, can you remember the name of the medication and the dosage you were given?
Did you have a skin biopsy?
General summary
Vulgaris Causes Symptoms and Treatments Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy skin It was once known as Blaschkoid disease because of its unusual blistering appearance Pemphigus poses many challenges for physicians because there's no cure for it Treatment must be tailored to each patient's individual needs
Vulgaris: Causes and Treatment Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disorder affecting the skin and mucous membranes of certain individuals Usually it occurs sporadically but may be seen in families as well The cause of Pemphigus vulgaris is unknown It involves a mistaking of the cells that line the patient's mouth (oral mucosa) or the outer layer of their skin by their body's immune system resulting in inflammation due to release of chemicals which causes blisters on their skin with white-yellow crust formation at its base This can lead to serious problems like blistering inside the mouth causing.
