Pemphigus Vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a blistering disease caused by the development of autoantibodies against epidermal intercellular material. PV usually affects the middle-aged and elderly. A genetic link may be associated with this disease, but other etiologic factors include drug associations or other autoimmune diseases.

Causes

• Pemphigus vulgaris may be occurs in patients due to other autoimmune diseases, particularly myasthenia gravis and thymoma.
• Pemphigus may also be occur due to reactions to medications, although this is rare. Pemphigus may be a side effect of ACE inhibitors such as Elanapril or chelating agents such as penicillamine.

Signs and Symptoms

• Blisters on erythematous skin and on mucous membranes with positive Nikolsky's sign (lateral stress to the skin causes exfoliation)
• Tremendous epidermal disruption is possible, resulting in large fluid and electrolyte disturbances, causing potentially serious illness.

Treatment

• For the treatment of Pemphigus Vulgaris, Systemic therapy is required to control pemphigus. In which treatment includes corticosteroids, medications containing gold, or medications that suppress the immune system such as azathioprine, methotrexate, or others.
• you can also treat Pemphigus Vulgaris with Localized treatment, in which it may include soothing or drying lotions, wet dressings, or similar measures.
• Severe cases of pemphigus are treated similarly to severe burns. In which, the treatment may require hospitalization including care in a burn unit or intensive care unit. The aimed of treatment is reducing symptoms and preventing complications.