Pemphigus Vulgaris

Pemphigus Vulgaris Pemphigus Vulgaris is an autoimmune disorder in which there is blistering of the skin. The prefix phemphix comes from the greek work meaning “bubble”. This disorder affects the epithelial and mucous membranes. Although unlikely, certain medications can cause this disorder. These medications include: blood pressure medications and chelating agents. This autoimmune disease is especially rare and is limited to older adults to the elderly. A way that you can test for it is by performing a Nikolsky test.
This test involves rubbing the patient with a cotton swab and if the skin comes off easily, it is positive. To be completely sure about the diagnosis, a skin lesion biopsy can be performed. Symptoms will most likely start with blisters in the mouth or skin. Then these blisters can turn into skin “lesions”. Lesions are when blisters start to ooze, peel off easily, or drain. The highest likely areas that will be affected are: the mouth, head, back, or stomach. Treatment for Pemphigus Vulgaris may include many different routes.
Depending on the severity of the disease, you may need to be hospitalized for treatment. Possible ways to treat this disease include : intravenous solutions that include fluids, electrolytes and proteins, IV feedings in cases where the blisters are predominately on the mouth, numbing agents for the mouth, and some antibiotics may be able to work for this disease. This disease can be deadly if you don’t seek treatment. Even if you do seek treatment, the side effects of these treatments can also be very harsh.

Since treatment focuses on the symptoms, this disease is still chronic with treatment. Works Cited “Pemphigus Vulgaris: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. ” National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health. Web. 12 Oct. 2010. <http://www. nlm. nih. gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000882. htm>. “Pemphigus Vulgaris: EMedicine Dermatology. ” EMedicine – Medical Reference. Web. 12 Oct. 2010. <http://emedicine. medscape. com/article/1064187-overview>.