Pemphigus - Diagnosing and Treating Pemphigus
Pemphigus is a very serious disease that can have devastating effects. It can lead to death if left untreated. Medications that treat pemphigus can often have severe side effects or have no effect at all. Patients need to get an accurate diagnosis and carefully monitor their treatment.
Treatments
Pemphigus treatments typically begin with medication to suppress the eruption of blisters. These drugs are more effective if they are prescribed early in the disease. However, the side effects of pemphigus treatments vary greatly, and some can be dangerous. For example, corticosteroids can cause diabetes, bone loss, and an increased risk of infection. They may also have other unintended side effects.
Fortunately, several medications can help treat pemphigus in dogs. One of the most common drugs is corticosteroids, which suppress the immune system. These medications can be applied to the affected skin or taken by mouth. They can also be given as an injection. For mild cases, topical therapy may be enough, but oral steroids may be needed if a more severe form of pemphigus is present. These medications are often tapered and can eventually be stopped. If the skin has become infected, stronger immunosuppressive drugs may be prescribed.
Causes
Pemphigus is a skin disease that causes painful and itchy blisters. It is an autoimmune condition and can affect people of all ages. It is caused by a buildup of antibodies in the immune system that attacks healthy skin cells and mucous membranes. This results in the separation of skin cells and the formation of a blister filled with pus.
Pemphigus is rare, affecting 1 to 5 people per million people in the UK. It occurs more often in adults but can strike anyone at any age. The condition is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. However, if you have persistent and severe blisters and sores, see your GP for a diagnosis. Your GP can refer you to a dermatologist for further tests.
Symptoms
Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease. It causes sores and blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. It is rare but affects middle-aged and older adults of Jewish or Mediterranean descent. There is no known cure for pemphigus, but it can be life-threatening if left untreated. It is not contagious, but you should see a dermatologist if you notice blisters or sores that don't go away.
Treatment for pemphigus includes avoiding harsh cleansers and using sterile bandages. In extreme cases, patients may require hospitalization or intensive care. Antibiotics and intravenous immunoglobulin may be given to treat or prevent infection. Other treatments include antibiotic ointments and oral rinses.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pemphigus disease requires a careful evaluation of the symptoms and signs of the condition. The age at which the disease first presents itself is an important factor. Previous clinical symptoms should also be considered. Other important factors are mucous membrane symptoms and Nikolsky's phenomenon.
A biopsy of the lesional and surrounding skin helps to confirm the diagnosis. Immunofluorescence is another method used to confirm the diagnosis. This test detects autoantibodies to desmoglein-1 and desmoglein-3 on keratinocyte cells. In some cases, serum autoantibodies can be detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the majority of cases, hospitalization is necessary. Patients with open skin lesions should be dressed as if they would like a partial-thick burn.
