Pemphigus – Symptoms and Causes
Skin Blister Overview
Pemphigus refers to a collection of uncommon skin problems. These lead to blisters and sores on the skin or moist body linings. These blisters may appear in the mouth or genital areas.
This condition often affects people in their middle years or later life.
Treatment typically involves long-term medication. The healing process for these sores can be slow, and sometimes they may not heal completely. If the sores become infected, pemphigus can become dangerous and even life-threatening.
Signs and Symptoms
Pemphigus creates blisters on skin and moist body surfaces. These blisters burst easily, leaving open wounds that may become infected and leak fluid.
Different types of pemphigus show different symptoms:
Pemphigus Vulgaris
- First appears as mouth blisters
- Later spreads to skin or genital areas
- Causes painful but non-itchy blisters
- Mouth/throat blisters can interfere with speaking, eating, and drinking
Pemphigus Foliaceus
- Mainly affects the upper body (chest, back, shoulders)
- Blisters may cause pain or itching
- Does not affect the mouth
Pemphigus also differs from bullous pemphigoid, another blistering condition that typically affects older people.
When To Seek Medical Help
Contact a healthcare provider if you notice blisters in your mouth, on your skin, or on genital areas that don’t heal properly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Causes
Pemphigus is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks healthy skin cells and mucous membranes. Unlike contagious diseases, pemphigus cannot spread from person to person through contact.
Most cases of pemphigus occur without a clear trigger. Doctors often cannot identify why the immune system begins to target healthy cells.
In rare instances, medications can trigger pemphigus, including:
- Penicillamine (used for certain medical conditions)
- Some blood pressure medications
When medication is the cause, the condition typically improves or resolves after stopping the triggering drug.
Risk Factors
People in middle age or older face higher chances of getting pemphigus. The condition appears more frequently in certain groups, including those with:
- Jewish ancestry
- Indian background
- Southeast European heritage
- Middle Eastern descent
These factors may influence who develops this skin condition.
Complications
Pemphigus can lead to several health problems if not properly managed. These complications can range from mild to severe.
Skin infections are common when blisters break open, creating entry points for bacteria. In serious cases, these infections can spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
After healing, affected skin areas may develop lasting color changes. These include:
- Darkened Patches (postinflammatory hyperpigmentation)
- Lightened Areas (postinflammatory hypopigmentation)
People with darker skin tones face a higher risk of these permanent color changes.
Painful mouth sores make eating difficult, which can lead to poor nutrition and weight loss. When patients cannot maintain proper food intake, their overall health suffers.
Treatment medications, while necessary, can cause their own problems. For example:
| Medication Side Effects | Description |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | Some treatments can raise blood pressure levels |
| Increased infection risk | Medications that suppress the immune system |
| Bone density loss | Long-term steroid use may weaken bones |
| Blood sugar changes | Some treatments affect glucose regulation |
Without proper treatment, certain types of pemphigus can be fatal, though this is rare with modern medical care.
