The immune system diseases associated with fluid-filled blisters and desquamation are classified as autoimmune bullous dermatosis. This group involves numerous diseases. The underlying mechanism is impaired structure of the skin secondary to formation of an immune response to a substance found in the skin. Dermal lesions may develop in mouth cavity, genital mucosa or other body parts.
Diagnosis
Bullous lesions may develop in a series of diseases. Therefore, making a definitive diagnosis is among the most critical steps in terms of managing the therapeutic process.
Your dermatologist will ask you the details of your medical history and also examine your skin. In addition, a skin biopsy will be required. Identification of antibodies in your blood and the biochemistry profile that may help guide the treatment may be required.
In certain cases, your dermatologist may refer you to an ophthalmologist. Endoscopy may be done to check the sores that has developed in your throat.
Diseases Treated at Our Clinic
- Bullous pemphygoid
- Pemphigoid variants
- Linear IgA bullous dermatosis
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Pemphigus vulgaris
- Pemphigus foliaceus
- Other pemphigus variants (pemphigus erythematosus, pemphigus herpetiformis, pemphigus vejetans, IgA pemphigus)
- Paraneoplastic pemphigus
Bullous pemphygoid
Bullous pemphygoid is a rate skin disease that causes formation of large, fluid-filled blisters. They develop in elastic skin regions, such as lower abdomen, upper leg or armpits. Bullous pemphigoid is most commonly diagnosed in elderly adults. Bullous pemphygoid occurs when your immune system attacks a thin tissue layer located beneath the skin. Although the underlying cause of this abnormal immune reactivity is not known, it might be triggered by certain medications. Bullous pemphygoid may, sometimes, disappear spontaneously within several months, but it may also persist up to 5 years. The treatment helps cure of the blisters and alleviation of itching. It may cover corticosteroid agents, such as prednizon, and other immunosuppressive drugs. Bullous pemphygoid may be fatal especially in elderly people with co-existing diseases, such as a neurologic disorder.
Pemphigus
Pemphigus is a disease that causes blisters and sores in skin or mucosa of mouth cavity or genital organs. Pemphigus may develop at any age, but it is more common in middle-aged or older people. It tends to be a chronic condition and certain types may threat life, if left untreated. Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system produces antibodies, under normal circumstances, to fight hazardous invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. However, the body produces antibodies attacking the skin cells and mucous membranes in pemphigus. Pemphigus is a not a contagious disease. The underlying cause is not clearly known in most cases. Potential complications of pemphigus are infection, sepsis, inadequate nutrition and others secondary to side effects of drugs.
Most common two forms are:
·Pemphigus vulgaris
This type usually develops first in your mouth cavity followed by your skin or genital mucosa. Blisters cause pain, but they are not itchy. The blisters in your mouth or throat may make swallowing and eating difficult.
·Pemphigus foliaceus
This form leads to blister formations in chest, back and shoulders. Blisters tends to cause severe itching rather than pain. Pemphigus foliaceus does not cause blisters in the mouth cavity.
Treatment Process
Autoimmune bullous dermatosis is a group of diseases that may threat life and requires close follow-up. Drugs that regulate activities of the immune system are used in such patients. Patients should be carefully followed up for both the disease and side effects of the drug. The disease may persist for many years or even decades in some cases. Your doctors will cooperate with you in order to create a comprehensive treatment plan that meets your needs and addresses potential side effects of each treatment option. Treatments are personalized in line with the international treatment guidelines and patient’s needs.