Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes. It occurs when antibodies in the immune system mistakenly attack proteins that bind cells together, causing them to separate. Symptoms include painful blisters in the mouth and sometimes on the skin. It most commonly affects people between 50-60 years old. Diagnosis involves skin biopsy and tests to detect circulating antibodies. Treatment focuses on decreasing blister formation using oral corticosteroids and appropriate wound care, while minimizing activities that could further damage the skin.

1. Definition:-
Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune disease that is characterised by blisters and erosions on
the skin and mucous membranes.
Causes:
Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease, which basically means that an
individual's immune system starts reacting against his or her own tissue.
In pemphigus vulgaris immunoglobulin (IgG) auto antibodies bind to a protein called desmoglein
3 present in desmosomes a cementing structure between 2 cells, the result is the keratinocytes
(the building block cells of epidermis) separate from each other, and are replaced by fluid, the
blister.
Who suffers? :
Pemphigus vulgaris affects people of all races, age and sex. It appears most commonly between
the ages of 50-60 years.
Symptoms of Pemphigus vulgaris
The following are some of the symptoms of Pemphigus vulgaris:
Most patients first present with lesions on the mucous membranes such as the mouth and
genitals. Several months' later blisters on the skin may develop or in some cases mucosal lesions
are the only manifestation of the disease.
The most common mucosal area affected is the mouth but others include the conjunctiva,
oesophagus, labia, vagina, cervix, penis, urethra and anus. Common features of oral mucosal
pemphigus include:
• 50-70% of patients get oral lesions
• blistering superficial and often appears as erosions
• widespread involvement in the mouth
• painful and slow to heal
• may spread to the larynx causing hoarseness when talking
• may make it difficult to eat or drink
Skin lesions appear as thin walled flaccid blisters filled with clear fluid that easily rupture
causing painful erosions. Erosions in the skin folds may develop into vegetative lesions which
are granular and crusty looking (known as pemphigus vegetans).

2. Diagnosis:
• Skin biopsy (rounded-up separated keratinocytes (called acantholytic cells) within the blisters
just above the basal layer of the epidermis.)
• Direct immunofluorescence staining of the skin biopsy sections to reveal antibodies.
• blood test (indirect immunofluorescence test) for circulating antibodies
Homeopathic treatment for Pemphigus vulgaris
The primary aim of treatment is to decrease blister formation, prevent infections and promote
healing of blisters and erosions.
Oral corticosteroids are the main measures for controlling the disease.
Appropriate wound care is particularly important, as this should promote healing of blisters and
erosions.
Patients should minimize activities that may traumatise the skin and mucous membranes during
active phases of the disease. These include activities such as contact sports and eating or drinking
food that may irritate or damage the inside of the mouth (spicy, acidic, hard and crunchy foods).
They are not a cured for the disease but improve the patient's quality of life by reducing disease
activity. Unfortunately higher doses of corticosteroids may result in serious side effects and risks
Other drugs are:
• Azathioprine
• Cyclophosphamide
• Dapsone
• Tetracyclines
• Nicotinamide
• Plasmapheresis
• Gold
• Mycophenolate mofetil
• Intravenous immunoglobulin
• The TNFα inhibitor, infliximab
• Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab)
At optimal therapy patients may still continue to experience mild disease activity.
Document Source: http://www.mindheal.org
Mindheal Homeopathy is a leading homeopathic treatment center in Mumbai, India.