Pemphigus Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Pemphigus is a skin disease that causes blisters and sores to appear on the skin or mucous membranes (mucous membranes), such as the mouth or genitals. There are two types of pemphigus, namely pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. Pemphigus vulgaris initially occurs in the mouth. Meanwhile, pemphigus foliaceus attacks the skin and causes itching rather than pain.
This disease is characterized by the appearance of bubbles that resemble boils on the skin. These bubbles break easily and will leave scars in the form of blisters. These blisters are prone to becoming a nest of germs.
Although it is a rare disease, pemphigus can affect all people. However, the disease is more common in middle age or older. In addition, it is also more common in women than men.
Symptoms
The symptoms of pemphigus are vesicles that burst easily and cause open sores or blisters on the skin or mucous membranes. In pemphigus vulgaris, the blisters usually first appear in the mouth and spread to the skin or mucous membranes of the genitalia. The blisters are usually painful but not itchy. Sufferers also often have difficulty swallowing and eating.
Pemphigus foliaceus rarely affects the mucous membranes. The blisters are usually painless but itchy. Blisters often appear on the chest, back, and shoulders.
Open sores or blisters from pemphigus can easily become infected. Symptoms of infection such as fever, redness and swelling of the wound may also occur. If the infection spreads through the blood vessels it can be fatal.
Reason
Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system attacks itself. However, until now it is not known exactly what causes this disease.
Pemphigus can also be triggered by a side effect of some blood pressure-lowering medications. If the trigger is due to any of these, the pemphigus will go away when the drug is stopped. This disease is not contagious.
Diagnosis
Doctors can make a diagnosis of pemphigus from the symptoms and physical examination of the blisters. Exfoliation tests will exfoliate the skin if rubbed gently with a cotton pad or fingers.
Other supporting examinations can also be carried out. Tests performed are a skin biopsy, as well as blood tests and an endoscopy which may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis of pemphigus.
Treatment
Treatment of pemphigus will be more effective if done early. Treatment can be in the form of a single treatment or a combination of the following therapies:
- corticosteroid medication
- immunosuppressant drugs
- antibiotics, antivirals and anti-fungal
- fluids intravenously
- food intravenously
- anesthetic drug
- injury cure