Seborrheic pemphigus is a rare skin disease of an autoimmune nature. It is distinguished by the presence on the body of foci with blisters, seborrheic hyperkeratosis and exfoliated epidermis. On the face, such bubbles can be accompanied by erythematous changes, sometimes reminiscent of the symptoms of lupus erythematosus. In addition, in the blood analysis of patients with this disease, an immune picture can be observed, which is typical for lupus erythematosus.
Bubble structure
Bubbles with this diagnosis have a fragile structure, in connection with this, erosion along with foci of red flaky skin and yellow crusts may prevail in the clinical picture. This disease usually affects the face, chest, and back. Seborrheic pemphigus is a chronic ailment; periods of its remission are replaced, as a rule, by new relapses. Often this disease affects patients who are between the ages of 13 to 50 years.
Reasons for its appearance
As already noted, pemphigus in adults is distinguished by an autoimmune nature. That is, its reasons lie in the fact that immunity cells attack their own tissues, which are healthy. In the case of this ailment, antibodies attack the glycoprotein, which is responsible for the connection between the layers of the skin. This connection is destroyed, as a result of which the epidermis begins to peel off, covered with blisters and various crusts. Redness usually occurs due to skin irritation, which is caused by immunity antibodies.
In some situations, this disease cannot be explained by the autoimmune nature of the origin. In such cases, idiopathic seborrheic pemphigus is diagnosed, which occurs for unknown reasons. It is believed that this problem is inherited. A certain role in the development of this ailment is played by various autoimmune diseases in the form of allergies, lupus erythematosus, and so on. Other reasons are the following factors:
- The use of certain drugs, such as inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, penicillins, etc.
- The effect of sunlight, burns.
- The use of certain foods to which there is an individual intolerance.
Next, we find out how the seborrheic pemphigus manifests itself (in the photo below).
Symptoms of pathology
Consider the entire process of development of this disease:
- At the first stage, redness appears on the body with clearly defined edges - these are the so-called erythematous lesions. Usually they appear in the form of a butterfly on the cheeks and nose. Neoplasms have a loose structure, flaky, crusty yellow and brown. Such scabs are formed due to the opening of the bubbles and the drying of the liquid that flows out of them. Sometimes the patient may not even notice the processes of bubble formation, because they burst very quickly. Photos of pemphigus disease scare many.
- At the same time, the scalp is covered with scales resembling seborrhea. The skin in these areas becomes red. Often the scales can become scarred, hair growth stops at the same time, and against the background of all this, bald patches are observed in patients.
- At the next stage, erythematous pemphigus spreads to other areas of the body (usually the disease passes to the back and chest). In these areas, spots are usually covered with dense crusts, causing severe pain when removing clothes.
- In every third patient, neoplasms can affect the mucous membranes of the nose, genitals, and mouth.
In the event that a person notices such symptoms in himself, you must consult a doctor who will make the correct diagnosis, and then prescribe the correct treatment.
Diagnosis of the disease
The main sign by which seborrheic pemphigus is revealed is the presence of a characteristic rash in the form of blisters, crusts and erosions. They pay attention to their location, the general well-being of the person and the chronic course of the pathology. Additionally, you must take the following tests:
- histological;
- immunopathological;
- the study of blood serum for the presence of antibodies against antigens that are characteristic of pemphigus.
Treatment
The goal of the treatment of this disease is the complete elimination of skin lesions, which is confirmed by the negative results of the immunological test. In severe cases, patients are sent to a hospital.
The treatment of seborrheic pemphigus is based on the use of corticosteroids (Prednisone and Dexamethasone in combination with immunosuppressants such as Cyclophosphamide, Azathioprine, and Methotrexate. The dosage of corticosteroids is gradually reduced over several months. The initial dosage is " Prednisolone "is 100 mg per day. As for the drug" Cyclosophosphamide ", then it must be taken at 150 mg per day.
In special cases, for example, if a patient has contraindications for taking glucocorticoids, doctors use intravenous administration of Immunoglobulin, Cyclosporin and other drugs that inhibit the immune system. Treatment should always be carried out by a qualified specialist in the field of dermatology.
Possible complications
Treatment of pemphigus in adults with hormonal agents can cause a number of different complications, but they are not a reason for refusing corticosteroids. This can be explained by the fact that the rejection of their use can lead to relapse, the progression of the described disease.
The development of the following complications during treatment is possible:
- The development of acute psychosis.
- The appearance of arterial hypertension.
- The occurrence of depressive states and insomnia.
- Excessive excitability.
- The development of steroid diabetes, thrombosis, obesity and angiopathy.
- The appearance of erosion or ulcers of the intestines and stomach.
Local treatment of seborrheic pemphigus
In the case of the development of this disease, patients are recommended to take daily disinfectant baths, use ointments with glucocorticoids (for example, Dermozolon or Lorinden).
If mucous membranes are affected, the doctor prescribes disinfectant suspensions, or combination medicines, for example, Natamycin. Physiotherapeutic procedures in the form of plasmapheresis, laser therapy and hemosorption produce a good effect.
Disease prognosis
Many are interested in how many patients with seborrheic pemphigus live.
When conducting competent treatment, the prognosis is usually positive. The patient can fully get rid of redness and unaesthetic blisters. It is worth noting that seborrheic pemphigus has a tendency to spontaneous relapse, in this regard, it is necessary to be checked by a dermatologist, while avoiding the aggressive rays of the sun and some medications.
Treatment with folk methods
In addition to the treatment of seborrheic pemphigus, the clinic uses alternative methods.
Many herbs produce a regenerating and calming effect on the affected skin, so medicinal plants can stimulate its healing.
Here are the most effective recipes that can help people get rid of this disease:
- The use of Arnica decoction. One tablespoon of Arnica flowers is poured with two glasses of water. Next, the product is boiled over low heat for five minutes. After this, the broth is allowed to infuse for about fifteen minutes. Then the medicine is filtered, 50 g of glycerol and one tablespoon of vinegar are added to the drug. The resulting medicine is used to wash the affected areas and compresses.
- The use of garlic oil for treatment. Peel 50 g of garlic, chop and combine with 200 ml of olive oil. Next, the mixture is insisted in a glass jar 14 days away from the sun. The contents must be shaken periodically. The infused oil is filtered and 5 capsules of liquid vitamin E are added to it. So you can get an excellent disinfecting and drying ointment that you need to apply to the affected areas twice a day.
- The treatment of pemphigus (in the photo in the article) with herbal collection, which is prepared according to the following recipe, is popular and gives good results. Take 25 g of white calendula flowers and the same amount of plantain leaves, then add 50 g of hyssop and yarrow. One spoon of the resulting mixture is poured into a glass of water. Next, the product is cooked over low heat for five minutes under the lid, then it is removed from the stove and insisted for another ten minutes. The resulting broth is washed in sore spots. The procedure must be repeated daily until complete recovery.
Diet for seborrheic pemphigus
The diet should include foods that are rich in trace elements, vitamins, proteins. Coarse fiber, salty, sour, smoked, fried food is excluded so that damaged mucous membranes of the digestive tract are not injured. Fractional nutrition, up to five times a day. You can eat milk, butter, cottage cheese, fruits, boiled meat, vegetables. It is recommended to limit the amount of salt. The diet of pemphigus patients should include a sufficient amount of animal proteins (meat, cottage cheese), fresh fruits and vegetables.
Doctors advice
Specific measures that would prevent the development of this pathology do not exist. The more people have a level of immune defense, the lower the risk of developing a particular dermatological disease. Therefore, doctors recommend that you follow these tips:
- To control the nature of a particular chronic disease.
- Constantly try to strengthen your immunity.
- It is very important to observe personal hygiene of the skin.
- It is equally important to eat right and try to refrain from food that is capable of provoking certain allergic reactions.
Doctors also provide the following tips regarding the prevention of seborrheic pemphigus in newborns:
- It is necessary to change the linen of the child more often.
- You should regularly take care of the skin of the baby.
- It is necessary to strengthen the immune system, especially in weakened children.
- Daily wet cleaning is required; the room in which the child is located should be regularly ventilated.
In case of detection of any rashes on the skin, the appearance of blisters and pustules, you should immediately contact a dermatologist. The prognosis in the presence of acantholytic pemphigus is conditionally unfavorable. In the absence of the necessary effective therapy, the likelihood of complications is very high. The onset of death is not ruled out.
Unfortunately, sick people with pemphigus are forced to use glucorticosteroids for a long time, and sometimes for life, which provokes the development of all kinds of side effects. It is also worth noting that a hasty rejection of drugs leads to an immediate relapse of the disease. Glucorticosteroids, as a rule, do not eliminate the causes of the disease, but are able to inhibit the pathological process, in addition, such drugs do not allow its further progression.