Pemphigus Vulgaris

Definition

Pemphigus Vulgaris is an autoimmune disorder, which is generally caused by auto antibodies directed against critical adhesion molecules of squamous epithelial cells, the desmogleins. These auto antibodies produce antibodies on their own against some specific proteins in the skin and also involves blistering of the outer layer of the skin and mucous membranes. The exact cause of the production of these antibodies against the body's own tissues is not known to anyone. Pemphigus vulgaris usually occurs when the body's immune system wages an attack against the epidermal cell surface structures, which is maintaining cell-to-cell contact and tissue texture leads to the separation of epidermal cells.

The blisters, are usually seen in the mouth which eventually rupture and become painful ulcers. This process may continue until the whole lining of the mouth gets affected. Blisters break easily and are slow to heal results from the action of autoimmune antibodies which are localize to intercellular sites of stratified squamous epithelium.

Causes of Pemphigus Vulgaris

The main causes of Pemphigus Vulgaris are as. Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disorder which generally causes blistering. This disease is not contagious that is not transferable by touch.The disease may be a result of reactions to medications but this rarely occurs. This may be an adverse reaction to thiol groups contained by most of the drugs and the Alliums family, which includes garlic, onions and leeks.

Symptoms of Pemphigus Vulgaris

Symptoms of Pemphigus Vulgaris such as includes:

• Oozing may also occur.
• There may be sign of mouth or skin ulcers.
• Almost 50-70% of patients suffer oral lesions.
• Recurrent or relapsing.
• Appearance of soft, fluid-filled blisters of differing sizes and patches of scaling.
• Blisters Spreading to other skin areas.
• Peeling superficially or detaching easily.

Treatment of Pemphigus Vulgaris

To heal this disease some of the treatment can be:-

• Lack of treatment may make it fatal because of overwhelming systemic infection.
• Sharing towels, linens or clothing with other individuals should be avoided to reduce the spreading of infection.
• Patient should be closely monitored by doctors because the drugs may have severe side effects.
• Doctors uses some immunosuppressive drugs such as includes: Azathioprine, Dapsone, Tetracyclines, Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate.
• Treatment which is generally used is the administration of oral steroids, especially prednisone.
• Corticosteroids: The high doses of these medications are given in the form of tablet or injection to effectively treat pemphigus vulgari.
• Intravenous fluids, electrolytes and proteins may be required. Mouth ulcers, if critical intravenous feeding is needed.