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Pemphigus vulgaris

 

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune disorder of the skin. It involves blistering and sores (erosions) of the skin and mucous membranes .

Causes

The immune system produces antibodies against specific proteins in the skin and mucous membranes. These antibodies break the bonds between skin cells. This leads to the formation of a blister. The exact cause is unknown.

In rare cases, pemphigus is caused by some medicines, including:

  • A medicine called penicillamine, which removes certain materials from the blood (chelating agent)
  • Blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors

Pemphigus is uncommon. It most often occurs in middle-aged or older people.

Symptoms

 

About 50% of people with this condition first develop painful blisters and sores in the mouth. This is followed by skin blisters. Skin sores may come and go.

The skin sores may be described as:

  • Draining
  • Oozing
  • Crusting
  • Peeling or easily detached

They may be located:

  • In the mouth
  • On the scalp, trunk, or other skin areas

 

Exams and Tests

 

The skin separates easily when the surface of unaffected skin is rubbed sideways with a cotton swab or finger. This is called a positive Nikolsky sign .

A skin biopsy is often done to confirm the diagnosis.

 

Treatment

 

Severe cases of pemphigus may need wound management, similar to the treatment for severe burns . People with PV may need to stay in a hospital and receive care in a burn unit or intensive care unit.

Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms, including pain. It also aims to prevent complications, especially infections.

Treatment may involve:

  • Antibiotics and antifungal medicines to control or prevent infections
  • Fluids and electrolytes given through a vein (IV) if there are severe mouth ulcers
  • IV feedings if there are severe mouth ulcers
  • Numbing (anesthetic) mouth lozenges to reduce mouth ulcer pain
  • Pain medicines if local pain relief is not enough

Body-wide (systemic) therapy is needed to control pemphigus and should be started as early as possible. Systemic treatment includes:

  • An anti-inflammatory drug called dapsone
  • Corticosteroids
  • Medicines containing gold
  • Medicines that suppress the immune system (such as azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, or rituximab)

Antibiotics may be used to treat or prevent infection. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is occasionally used.

Plasmapheresis may be used along with systemic medicines to reduce the amount of antibodies in the blood. Plasmapheresis is a process in which antibody-containing plasma is removed from the blood and replaced with intravenous fluids or donated plasma.

Ulcer and blister treatments include soothing or drying lotions, wet dressings, or similar measures.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Without treatment, this condition can be life threatening. Severe infection is the most frequent cause of death.

With treatment, the disorder tends to be chronic . Side effects of treatment may be severe or disabling.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications of PV include:

  • Secondary skin infections
  • Severe dehydration
  • Side effects of medicines
  • Spread of infection through the bloodstream ( sepsis )

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Your health care provider should examine any unexplained blisters.

Call your provider if you have been treated for PV and you develop any of the following symptoms:

  • Chills
  • Fever
  • General ill feeling
  • Joint aches
  • Muscle aches
  • New blisters or ulcers

 

 

References

Ferri FF. Pemphigus vulgaris. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2016 . Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:941-942.

Habif TP. Vesicular and bullous diseases. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 16.

James WD, Berger TD, Elston DM. Chronic blistering dermatoses. In: James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM, eds. Andrew's Diseases of the Skin . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 21.

 
  • Pemphigus, vulgaris on the back - illustration

    Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmine disorder, where the body's immune system attacks some of the proteins in the skin. Pemphigus usually occurs in middle-aged or older people. This picture shows a close-up of the blistering on the back. Most of the blisters have broken (denuded), which is common since these blisters are fragile.

    Pemphigus, vulgaris on the back

    illustration

  • Pemphigus, vulgaris - lesions in the mouth - illustration

    Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmine disorder, where the body's immune system attacks some of the proteins in the skin. Pemphigus usually occurs in middle-aged or older people. This picture shows a close-up of lesions in the mouth.

    Pemphigus, vulgaris - lesions in the mouth

    illustration

    • Pemphigus, vulgaris on the back - illustration

      Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmine disorder, where the body's immune system attacks some of the proteins in the skin. Pemphigus usually occurs in middle-aged or older people. This picture shows a close-up of the blistering on the back. Most of the blisters have broken (denuded), which is common since these blisters are fragile.

      Pemphigus, vulgaris on the back

      illustration

    • Pemphigus, vulgaris - lesions in the mouth - illustration

      Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmine disorder, where the body's immune system attacks some of the proteins in the skin. Pemphigus usually occurs in middle-aged or older people. This picture shows a close-up of lesions in the mouth.

      Pemphigus, vulgaris - lesions in the mouth

      illustration

    Self Care

     

       

      Review Date: 4/29/2016

      Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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