Pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris causes blisters that burst easily and leave very sore patches. The most common area affected is inside the mouth and throat, which can make swallowing painful. Credit: ISM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY: https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/1232728/view Many people also get blisters on their skin. These usually appear a few months after the mouth is affected. Credit: Science Photo Library: https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/1192151/view The blisters and sore areas can cover a large area of the body. Sometimes they can also affect the eyes, genitals or anus. Credit: ISM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY: https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/1232726/view

Pemphigus vulgaris can have similar symptoms to more common conditions, such as impetigo and hand, foot and mouth disease . Do not try to diagnose yourself. See a GP if you're worried.

If a GP thinks you could have pemphigus vulgaris, they can refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist) for tests and treatment. Blisters caused by pemphigus vulgaris usually come and go over time. There's no cure, but treatment can help. The main treatments are: steroid tablets and creams (topical steroids) other medicines such as azathioprine and rituximab You will also be given advice on how to keep affected areas of your mouth and skin clean. This should help reduce any risk of infection. It usually takes a few weeks for the blisters to heal. Once this happens, you'll probably need to use steroids for several months, and the other treatment for several years. This will help stop the blisters coming back. It may be possible to stop treatments if symptoms show no sign of returning after a period of time (remission). If symptoms do flare-up again, treatment can be restarted.

If you have pemphigus vulgaris, there are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of further problems. Do clean your teeth using a soft toothbrush and mint-free toothpaste use antiseptic or painkilling (anaesthetic) mouthwash (try to avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol) keep any sore patches clean to reduce the risk of infection have regular dental check-ups Don’t do not eat spicy, acidic or hard foods if you have blisters in your mouth do not do activities that could damage your skin (such as contact sports) if you have blisters on your skin

Pemphigus vulgaris can lead to other problems, such as: blisters and sore patches becoming infected, which can cause life-threatening problems such as sepsis weight loss and malnutrition because of pain when eating and drinking tooth decay and gum disease because it can be painful to look after your teeth and gums pain during sex and pain when peeing or pooing (if your genitals or anus are affected) You'll have regular check-ups to look for these problems and may be referred to other specialists (such as a dietitian) if needed. Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if: your blisters or sore patches are very painful or feel hot there is yellow or green pus coming from your blisters or sore patches These are signs of an infection, which needs to be treated quickly. You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

Pemphigus vulgaris is caused by a problem with the immune system, which is the body's defence against infection. Instead of attacking germs, something goes wrong with the immune system and it attacks the skin by mistake. This damages the skin and causes blisters to appear. It's not clear why this happens. It's not passed on in families and it’s not caused by an infection, so it cannot spread to other people.

Living with pemphigus vulgaris can be very difficult. As well as support from your care team, it may help to get information and support from groups and charities such as: Pemphigus Vulgaris Network – a UK support group for people with pemphigus vulgaris PEM Friends – a UK support group for people with pemphigus vulgaris and related conditions International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation – a global support group for people with pemphigus vulgaris and related conditions