Seborrheic pemphigus is a rare autoimmune skin disease. It is distinguished by the presence on the body of foci with blisters, seborrheic hyperkeratosis and exfoliated epidermis. On the face, such blisters can be accompanied by erythematous changes, sometimes reminiscent of the symptoms of lupus erythematosus. In addition, in the blood test 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 may prevail in the clinical picture along with foci of red scaly skin, yellow crusts. Usually this disease affects the face, chest and back. Seborrheic pemphigus is a chronic disease, periods of remission are replaced, as a rule, by new relapses. Often suffer from this diseasepatients who are between the ages of 13 and 50.
The reasons for its appearance
As already noted, pemphigus in adults is characterized by an autoimmune nature. That is, the reasons for it lie in the fact that immune cells attack their own tissues that are he althy. In the case of this ailment, antibodies affect 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, become covered with blisters and various crusts. Redness is usually caused by skin irritation caused by immune antibodies.
In some situations, this disease cannot be explained by the autoimmune nature of 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 disease is played by various autoimmune diseases in the form of allergies, lupus erythematosus, and so on. Other reasons are the following factors:
- Use of certain drugs, such as inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, penicillins, etc.
- Influence of sunlight, burns.
- Eating certain food intolerances.
Next, we will find out how seborrheic pemphigus manifests itself (pictured below).
Symptoms of pathology
Let's consider the whole process of the development of this disease:
- At the first stage on the bodyredness with clearly defined edges appears - these are the so-called erythematous foci. They usually appear as a butterfly on the cheeks and nose. Neoplasms have a loose structure, flake, covered with yellow and brown crusts. Such scabs are formed due to the opening of the blisters and the drying of the fluid 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 on the head is covered with scales resembling seborrhea. The skin in these areas becomes red. Often, scales can become scarred, hair growth stops in parallel, and against the background of all this, patients experience bald patches.
- The next stage is the spread of erythematous pemphigus to other areas of the body (usually the disease goes to the back and chest). In these areas, the spots tend to become covered with dense crusts, causing severe pain when removing clothing.
- 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, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will make the correct diagnosis, and then prescribe the correct treatment.
Diagnosis of disease
The main sign by which seborrheic pemphigus is detected is the presence of a characteristic rash in the form of blisters, crusts and erosions Pay attention to their location, general well-beinghuman and the chronic course of pathology. Additionally, you must take the following tests:
- histological;
- immunopathological;
- 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 will be confirmed by the negative results of the immunological test. In severe cases, patients are referred to the hospital.
The treatment of seborrheic pemphigus is based on the use of corticosteroids (Prednisolone 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 of "Prednisolone" is 100 mg per day. As for the drug "Cyclosophosphamide", it must be taken at 150 mg per day.
In special cases, for example, if the patient has contraindications to taking glucocorticoids, doctors use intravenous administration of "Immunoglobulin", "Cyclosporin" and other drugs that depress the immune system. Treatment should always be carried out by a qualified dermatologist.
Possible Complications
Treatment of pemphigus in adults with hormonal agents can cause a number of different complications, but these are not a reason to stop corticosteroids. This can be explained by the fact that refusal to use them can lead torelapses, progression of the described disease.
The following complications may develop during treatment:
- Development of acute psychosis.
- The appearance of arterial hypertension.
- The occurrence of depression and insomnia.
- Excessive excitability.
- Development of steroid diabetes, thrombosis, obesity and angiopathy.
- The appearance of erosion or ulcers of the intestines and stomach.
Performing topical treatment of seborrheic pemphigus
If this disease develops, patients are advised to take daily disinfectant baths, use ointments with glucocorticoids (for example, Dermozolon or Lorinden).
If the mucous membranes are affected, the doctor prescribes disinfectant suspensions, or combined drugs, such as Natamycin. A good effect is produced by physiotherapeutic procedures in the form of plasmapheresis, laser therapy and hemosorption.
Disease prognosis
Many wonder how long people with seborrheic pemphigus live.
With proper treatment, the prognosis is usually positive. The patient can completely get rid of redness and unaesthetic blisters. It is worth noting that seborrheic pemphigus has a tendency to spontaneous relapses, in this regard, it is necessary to check with a dermatologist, while avoiding the aggressive rays of the sun and certain drugs.
Treatment with folk methods
In addition to the treatment of seborrheic pemphigus, the clinic usesfolk methods.
Many herbs have a regenerating and soothing effect on affected skin, so herbs can stimulate healing.
Here are the most effective recipes that can help people get rid of this disease:
- Using arnica decoction. One tablespoon of arnica flowers is poured into two glasses of water. Next, the product is boiled over low heat for five minutes. After this, the broth is allowed to brew for about fifteen minutes. Then the medicine is filtered, 50 g of glycerin 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 healing. Peel 50 g of garlic, chop and combine with 200 ml of olive oil. Next, the mixture is infused in a glass jar for 14 days away from the sun. Shake the contents periodically. The infused oil is filtered and 5 capsules of liquid vitamin E are added to it. This way you can get an excellent disinfectant and drying ointment that needs to be applied to diseased areas twice a day.
- Popular and gives good results treatment of pemphigus (pictured in the article) with herbal preparation, which is prepared according to the following recipe. Take 25 g of white yasnotka flowers and the same number 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 boiled over low heat for five minutes under the lid, then it is removed from the stove andinsist another ten minutes. The resulting decoction is washed with 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-fibre, s alty, sour, smoked, fried foods are excluded so that the damaged mucous membranes of the digestive tract are not injured. Meals are fractional, up to five times a day. You can use milk, butter, cottage cheese, fruits, boiled meat, vegetables. It is recommended to limit the amount of s alt. The diet of patients with pemphigus should include a sufficient amount of animal proteins (meat, cottage cheese), fresh fruits and vegetables.
Doctors advice
There are no specific measures that would prevent the development of this pathology. The higher the level of immune protection in people, the lower the risk of developing a particular dermatological disease. Thus, doctors recommend following these tips:
- Control the nature of a chronic disease.
- Constantly try to strengthen your immunity.
- It is very important to maintain personal hygiene of the skin.
- It is equally important to eat right and try to abstain from foods that can provoke certain allergic reactions.
Doctors also give the following tips for preventing seborrheic pemphigus in newborns:
- Need to change more oftenbaby's underwear.
- You should regularly care for your baby's skin.
- We need 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.
If you find 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. Death is possible.
Unfortunately, sick people suffering from pemphigus are forced to use glucocorticosteroids for a long time, and sometimes for life, which provokes the development of all kinds of side effects. It is also worth noting that the hasty rejection of drugs leads to an immediate relapse of the disease. Glucocorticosteroids, as a rule, do not eliminate the causes of the disease, but are capable of inhibiting the pathological process, in addition, such drugs do not allow its further progression.