🧪 Pemphigus
Pemphigus is a rare, serious autoimmune blistering disorder that causes painful sores and blisters on the skin and mucous membranes (such as the mouth, nose, throat, and genitals).
🔍 Causes
- Autoimmune attack on desmogleins (proteins that help skin cells stick together)
- The immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that break down cell adhesion, causing blisters
- Triggered by:
- Genetics
- Certain medications (e.g., penicillamine, ACE inhibitors)
- Sometimes idiopathic (no clear cause)
⚠️ Types of Pemphigus
- Pemphigus vulgaris (most common and severe):
- Painful oral and skin blisters
- Starts in mucous membranes
- Pemphigus foliaceus:
- More superficial skin involvement
- Rarely involves the mouth
- Paraneoplastic pemphigus:
- Associated with underlying cancers
🧪 Symptoms
- Fragile blisters that rupture easily
- Raw, painful skin erosions
- Blisters inside the mouth, nose, throat, or genitals
- Crusting and oozing
- Delayed healing and risk of infection
🧫 Diagnosis
- Skin biopsy with direct immunofluorescence
- Blood tests for anti-desmoglein antibodies
- ELISA test for specific antibody levels
🛠️ Treatment
- Corticosteroids (topical or systemic) – first-line treatment
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, mycophenolate)
- Biologics such as rituximab (for severe or refractory cases)
- Antibiotics or antifungals for secondary infections
- Wound care and pain control
🛡️ Tips
- Avoid trauma to the skin
- Use gentle skin and oral care products
- Regular follow-up with dermatology/immunology team
- Nutritional support if oral lesions impair eating