Pemphigus Vulgaris “Pemphigus is estimated to affect anywhere from .7-5 people per 1,000,000 per year in the general population” (Autoimmune blistering diseases, 2015). Pemphigus Vulgaris is the most common type that people acquire and is usually more serious involving the outer epidermal layer of the skin. The integumentary as well as the immune system play key roles in this disease. Pemphigus is part of a group of rare skin conditions, caused by an autoimmune response that manifests itself as painful blistering or sores, usually beginning in the mouth. Some forms of pemphigus are more painful or serious than others, and left untreated can potentially be life threatening. Pemphigus vulgaris can become a serious disease caused by an autoimmune…show more content… Usually painful, the limpness of the blistered skin makes them easy to tear when disturbed but something as slight as the brush of a finger. The blisters will heal without scarring, but darkening of the skin may be present for months after. These blisters can be almost anywhere on the body typically in moist areas such as mouth, throat, eyes, and genitals (Fleming, R. 2015). Blisters in the mouth or throat can make eating and swallowing difficult which can lead to excessive weight loss, as well as the fragility of the blisters, “The open sores of pemphigus make you highly vulnerable to infection, which, if it spreads to your bloodstream, can be fatal. Possible complications of pemphigus include: Gum disease and tooth loss, if you have blisters in your mouth, and Death from infection” (Mayo clinic staff, 2015). For these reasons it is important that this disease is diagnosed and treated promptly for better…show more content… For patients with sores in the mouth a dentist could assist with maintaining good oral health, and prevent gum disease or tooth loss. Pemphigus Vulgaris treatment usually involves one or more drugs, “The main goal is to suppress the immune system so that it will stop attacking the tissues. Commonly prescribed drugs include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and biologics” (Fleming, R. 2015). As stated above environmental triggers like medication can cause the disease, and although very rare, the simple removal of that medication can be enough to get rid of the disease. To prevent infections the use of antibiotics or antifungals may be used. Many people with the disease will go into remission from proper treatment and diagnosis, it might take a few years and smaller doses of the medications will have to be continued to keep it that way. For those with severe pemphigus medication alone will not help, IV drugs and blood plasma transfusions would have to be integrated (Fleming, R.
