It is a rare autoimmune disease, such as psoriasis and eczema, that progresses with peelings and superficial injuries on the skin and mucosal membranes. It is mostly on the skin and in the mouth, but can sometimes be in the nose, throat, eyes and genitals. It starts as fluid-filled blisters that resemble burns. It is an important skin disease that progresses with crusted wounds when these blisters burst and open.
What causes pemphigus?
In autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and eczema, the immune system malfunctions. It attacks healthy tissues in the body. In pemphigus, the immune system perceives the person's own skin as foreign. It then causes an exaggerated immune response against the skin. This immune response, also called autoantibody, breaks the bonds that hold the cells in the top layer of the skin together. As a result of the rupture of the bonds, the cells separate from each other and splits and cracks occur in the skin. As a result of tissue fluid filling through these slits, sacs filled with clear fluid, called bullae, are formed. Since the walls of these vesicles are thin, they burst open easily and turn into painful, superficial wounds.
Are there different types of pemphigus?
There are many clinical types of pemphigus. However, the most common type is the type we can call deep pemphigus (pemphigus vulgaris), in which watery sores on the skin are often accompanied by mouth sores. The other is superficial pemphigus (pemphigus folyaceus), which is a milder type that only causes very superficial wounds on the skin, crusting and dandruff.
What are the symptoms of pemphigus?
The disease. It usually starts as mouth sores that do not heal for a long time. Persistent sores may also appear on the genitals. After wounds that do not heal in this way, new wounds begin to form on the scalp, face and body. These wounds are similar to the liquid-filled wounds we call BULLA that occur after burns. The fluids inside these vesicles initially appear as transparent water, but over time they acquire a purulent appearance. Over time, the bullae burst open and turn into wet wounds. They may dry and crust over time, but if left untreated, the patient may develop new wounds in other areas. The pain continues.
How does the disease occur?
Some drugs and chemicals are known to trigger pemphigus. However, the exact triggers are not yet known. Some patients also reported that their complaints increased after eating foods such as onion and garlic.
Who gets it?
Pemphigus is a rare disease. This disease develops in 2-3 people per million. It occurs equally frequently in men and women. It occurs most often in middle-aged people. However, it can be seen in all age groups. However, it has been reported to be more common in the following groups.
-
People of Mediterranean origin
-
People living in the Brazilian rainforest
-
Middle and older adults
Is it hereditary?
Although the disease can be seen in more than one person in the same family, it does not have a hereditary feature. Pemphigus from mother or father does not pass directly to children.
Is it contagious?
No, the disease has no contagious feature. It is not possible for it to be transmitted to those who come into contact with a pemphigus patient.
What should patients with pemphigus pay attention to in wound care and treatment?
People diagnosed with pemphigus do not need to worry. Just like psoriasis and eczema, worsening of wounds and formation of new wounds can be prevented with good treatment and regular follow-up. In addition, patients need to take good care of their existing wounds. Patients with pemphigus may encounter serious health problems if they do not pay attention to wound care.
-
Skin infections
-
Sepsis
-
Like dehydration (intensive water loss)
How should patients with pemphigus live and what should they pay attention to?
-
Patients with pemphigus should pay attention to general body cleanliness and should especially pay attention to oral care. Teeth should be brushed regularly. The toothbrush to be used should be soft (preferably toothbrushes made for children should be used) and brushing should be done gently so as not to irritate the gums.
-
Scrubbing should be avoided in bathrooms, and baths should be done in the form of a shower. However, the shower should not be strong enough to hit the skin with excessive pressure.
-
During periods when the disease is active, toilet cleaning should be done carefully, especially if there are wounds around the anus. The toilet paper used should be soft.
-
Female patients with wounds in the genital area can use cleaning liquids produced for women with soft clean gauze to be wiped from front to back. In the presence of genital discharge (milk curd or especially bloody-purulent discharge), the doctor should be informed.
-
Both male and female patients should avoid sexual intercourse during the active period of the disease. Female patients of childbearing age who are in their recovery period should be protected from pregnancy with a method recommended by their doctor.
-
Apart from these, patients can continue their work after they enter the recovery period and are under control.
-
They can continue their normal lives without disrupting their follow-up and control of the disease. They can continue.
Read: 0
