Pemphigus Vulgaris
Keep in mind that some healthcare professionals have only heard of pemphigus in medical school - David Baron
image by: DrKishore Banerjee
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Challenges in Being Diagnosed and Living with Pemphigus
Because pemphigus is a rare disease, medical and dental professionals are unaccustomed to seeing it in practice. As a result, people with pemphigus are often misdiagnosed as having a more common illness that is seen more frequently by healthcare providers. Clinically, pemphigus can mimic other oral inflammatory conditions, such as lichen planus, candidiasis, and periodontal disease.
People with pemphigus are most commonly misdiagnosed as having erythema multiforme (a skin condition considered to be a hypersensitivity reaction to infections or medications), herpes simplex virus (a viral infection that causes oral and genital herpes), or candida (a fungal infection caused by yeast).…
Resources
DermNet NZ
Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune disease that is characterised by painful blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes, most commonly inside the mouth. Pemphigus vulgaris accounts for 70% of all pemphigus cases worldwide
Milestones in Personalized Medicine in Pemphigus and Pemphigoid
The term “pemphigus” was used as descriptive terms for skin diseases characterized by blisters since Hippocrates (460-370 B.C.) who described different types of fever associated with blistering as “pemphigus fever”. However, the term pemphigus in its present meaning was coined by Dr. Wichman in 1791 when describing a case of pemphigus (in today’s understanding). Thereafter, “pemphigus” was used as a synonym for any vesicular or bullous disease.
Recent Advances in Understanding Pemphigus and Bullous Pemphigoid
For many years, The Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID) has been a leader in our understanding of many aspects of the major autoimmune blistering skin diseases, pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid. The purpose of this review is to highlight and summarize those advances...
Pemphigus Vulgaris and Bullous Pemphigoid: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment
Autoimmune bullous disorders are a heterogeneous spectrum of skin disorders characterized by the production of autoantibodies against adhesion molecules of the skin. The 2 major groups of diseases are “pemphigus diseases” and “autoimmune bullous diseases of the pemphigoid type.”
Pemphigus: Current and Future Therapeutic Strategies
Pemphigus encompasses a heterogeneous group of autoimmune chronic blistering skin diseases, which affect both mucous membranes and the skin. Pemphigus group diseases are characterized by IgG autoantibodies directed against epidermal adhesion complexes (desmosomes) of keratinocytes, leading to loss of cell–cell adhesion, a phenomenon called acantholysis. Pemphigus can be divided into three major forms: pemphigus vulgaris (PV), pemphigus foliaceus (PF), and paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP).
Prevalence Estimates for Pemphigus in the United States
Pemphigus represents a subset of bullous disease in which autoantibodies disrupt intercellular keratinocyte adhesion.1 Loss of epidermal integrity clinically translates to flaccid blisters and erosions of skin and mucous membranes. Although treatment with systemic corticosteroids has mitigated its life-threatening course, pemphigus remains associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Tricks to Diagnose Bullous Pemphigoid vs Pemphigus Vulgaris
Bullous diseases can pose a diagnostic challenge, but a few clinical pearls can help dermatologic providers make a quick diagnosis for patients.
Challenges in Being Diagnosed and Living with Pemphigus
Because pemphigus is a rare disease, medical and dental professionals are unaccustomed to seeing it in practice. As a result, people with pemphigus are often misdiagnosed as having a more common illness that is seen more frequently by healthcare providers. Clinically, pemphigus can mimic other oral inflammatory conditions, such as lichen planus, candidiasis, and periodontal disease.
International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all those affected by pemphigus and pemphigoid through early diagnosis and support.
PEM Friends
I found that connecting with others who have one of the PEM conditions has helped me a great deal. Just knowing that you aren’t alone out there can be a great comfort. This is why we (myself and some others with PEM conditions) have recently launched a new website called www.pemfriendsuk.co.uk to support and inform patients and carers of people with autoimmune blistering skin diseases. There are a few of us out there who know what you are going through, and we can help.
Pemphigus Vulgaris Network
The Pemphigus Vulgaris Network is a voluntary, not-for-profit, group started in 1997 to provide information and support for people living with pemphigus and their relatives, friends and carers.
We Hear You Pemphigus
Your journey matters. Share your pemphigus story with us. This storytelling project aims to help raise awareness of pemphigus through engaging and connecting people living with pemphigus and their caregivers. Now you can build upon the community’s collective voice as you share your pemphigus story.
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