Pemphigus Vulgaris

What is Pemphigus Vulgaris?

Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare disease of the skin that causes painful blisters. These blisters are usually in a group of three or four, varying in size on the skin and mucous linings in our body.

Types of Pemphigus Vulgaris:

• Pemphigus Vulgaris- It is the most common type. It is mostly attacks the limbs especially on the ankles.  It also affects the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals and lungs. This disease usually starts with blisters in the mouth and later on the skin.
•  Pemphigus Foliaceus- It is a rare disease in which the body is attacked in general and is often fatal.

Symptoms of Pemphigus:

• Painful blisters that start in the mouth.
• Skin blisters that come and go or usually appear in successive crops.
• Oozing, crusting, or peeling at or around the blister site.

Why is Pemphigus caused?

• The immune system mistakenly makes antibodies against the proteins in healthy skin and mucous membranes. These antibodies break down the bonds between the cells and fluid is collected between the layers of the skin which leads to blisters and erosions on the skin.
• Certain Medications like Penicillamine (an Antibiotic) and ACE inhibitors (a type of Blood pressure medication) can trigger Pemphigus.

How can one diagnose Pemphigus Vulgaris?

The skin peels off easily when the surface is wiped sideways with a cotton swab or a finger. This is known as the Positive Nikolsky’s sign.

Biopsy (removing a piece of tissue for analysis) of the blister and examining it under a microscope will confirm the diagnosis. Abnormal antibodies can be found in the biopsy.

What is the Treatment for Pemphigus?

Treatment in Modern Medicine:

• Corticosteroids and Immune-Suppressing Drugs- Azathioprine, prednisolone, methotrexate etc.
• Antibiotics, Antivirals, and Antifungals
• Wound dressing

Homoeopathic Treatment for Pemphigus Vulgaris:

There are many effective Homoeopathic  remedies for Pemphigus Vulgaris. Rhus tox is the principal remdy for Pemphigus vulgaris. Arsenic album is used for the chronic variety of pemphigus vulgaris. Other indicated remedies are Ammonium Mur, Causticum, Ranunculus bulbosus, Raphanus and Sepia.

In Dr Rajesh Shah’s experience here at Lifeforce, Homoeopathy is strongly indicated as a supportive treatment. Initial focus in Homoeopathic mode of treatment is to arrest the further spread blister and prevent formation of new blisters. Homoeopathic treatment also helps decrease one’s dependency on steroids.

What precautions can be taken?

Following are some Do’s and Don’ts which one can follow, to accelerate the recovery from Pemphigus vulgaris.

• Use soothing lotions and sun block creams
• Wet dressings in case of a ruptured blister
• Soft-food diets in case of a oral blister
• Avoidance of spicy or acidic foods that may irritate and make the blisters worse.
• Avoidance of exposure to harsh sunlight.
• Drink plenty of water and juices to keep the body hydrated and in order to remove toxins from the body.