Battling Blistering: A Case Report on Pemphigus Vulgaris

Abstract

Introduction: Pemphigus is a rare group of autoimmune disorders that cause blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. It affects various parts of the body, including the eyes, genitalia, mouth, nose, and throat. The most common type of pemphigus is known as pemphigus vulgaris. It is characterized by the loss of adhesion between keratinocytes, a condition called acantholysis.

Case Report: A 52-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital with complaints of dizziness and blisters on the skin, lips, and inner layer of the mouth. Initially, he experienced difficulty in swallowing solid foods, which progressed to difficulty in swallowing liquid foods. The patient was diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris and was treated with Methotrexate as a first-line therapy.

Conclusion: According to the guidelines provided by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), the first-line treatment for pemphigus vulgaris involves the use of corticosteroids, typically in the form of oral prednisolone. If treatment failure occurs, defined as the lack of disease control after 12 weeks, second-line treatments such as azathioprine, MMF, methotrexate, cyclosporine, dapsone, and cyclophosphamide may be initiated. It is crucial to select the appropriate drug therapy to prevent delays in the healing of blisters and ulcers. Although there is no permanent cure for pemphigus vulgaris, medications can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Therefore, the selection of drugs plays a significant role in treating the clinical condition.