Pemphigus
Evidence: Antibody
Names
Pemphigus
Pemphigus foliaceus
Pemphigus vulgaris
Description
Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease that causes blisters and sores in the mouth, skin, genitals, or any area that has mucous membranes. Normally, the immune system produces antibodies to fight off harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. In pemphigus however, the body produces antibodies that damage cells of the skin, the junctions between them, and mucous membranes.
Pemphigus can occur at any age, but it is most often seen in people who are middle-aged or older. It tends to be a long-lasting (chronic) condition, and some types can be life-threatening without treatment. Treatment with medication usually controls it.
Pemphigus is different from bullous pemphigoid, a blistering skin condition that affects older adults and may cause death to those in poor health. The main difference is microscopic:
in pemphigus the skin cells are not able to stick to each other causing fluid to accumulate between them forming blisters; bullous pemphigoid affects deeper layers of the skin, and the cells of the top layer of skin, the epidermis, cannot stick to the layer beneath it, the dermis, meaning they come off and fluid accumulates between the dermis and epidermis layer.
Patient Groups
Bloggers
None found. If you are a blogger with pemphigus please contact us.
Prevalence
US Cases: 15,000 - 17,000 [Wertenteil 2019]. Pemphigus affects men and female equally.
Typical Age of onset
Average age of onset is 50 to 60 years old, but it can affect people of any age.
Symptoms
Blisters that rupture easily, leaving open sores, which may ooze and become infected.
Pemphigus vulgaris
Usually begins with blisters in the mouth and then on skin or genital mucous membranes
Blisters are painful but do not itch
Blisters in the mouth or throat may make it hard to swallow and eat.
Pemphigus foliaceus
Causes blisters on the chest, back and shoulders
Blisters tend to be more itchy than painful
Does not cause mouth blisters
