The different types of pemphigus treatment depend on the severity of the disease. Pemphigus is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies attack healthy skin cells, forming painful blisters and sores on the surface of the skin. The various treatments are akin to those for burn victims because the open sores are vulnerable to infection. In severe cases, treatment might require hospitalization, plasmapheresis, and medication. Mild cases are generally treated with systemic medications such as immunosuppressants and antibiotics.
Pemphigus treatment should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis because the less widespread it is, the easier it is to treat. The disease can be life-threatening due to the risk of infection from open sores. The treatments themselves can have serious side effects, however, so one should discuss the options with a doctor prior to starting any form of treatment. It can take several months of treatment for the sores to go away. In some situations, one with pemphigus might need to continue treatment over the long term, possibly for life, to keep the sores from returning.
In severe cases when the disease is widespread throughout the body, pemphigus treatment typically involves full-body disease management and reducing the pain. Since the blisters usually form in the mouth first, it is often recommended that one with pemphigus avoid spicy or hard foods that could irritate the sores. Avoiding activities that can bother the skin may also be recommended.
Hospitalization might be a necessary step for pemphigus treatment, particularly when intravenous (IV) treatments are needed. An IV can be used to give extra fluids and electrolytes to replace those lost through the oozing blisters. Also, if sores in the mouth are causing problems with eating, then one can be fed through an IV.
Another pemphigus treatment is called plasmapheresis, which attempts to remove the faulty antibodies from the blood. During the process, plasma is removed from blood cells using an apparatus that separates cells, and then it is replaced with IV fluid or donated plasma. This type of treatment might be used in addition to medications that decrease the number of antibodies in the body.
Pain medication is frequently necessary for pemphigus treatment in severe cases. Anesthetics are usually given orally to help lessen the pain in the mouth from the sores. Additionally, immunoglobulin might need to be given through an IV if other medications are ineffective.
Pemphigus treatment with mild conditions entails systemic medication to control the disease, although doctors will generally try to prescribe the lowest dosage possible of these medications because of the risks from side effects. Immunosuppressants, like rituximab and azathioprine, work to stop the immune system from attacking skin tissue that is healthy. Antibiotics and antifungal medications prevent and control infections that could be caused by bacteria like staphylococcus. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, might be used over the short term to treat the blisters, but they can have serious side effects over the long term.
In addition to medication, pemphigus treatment can include caring for the sores with lotions to dry them out. Bandages might also be used to cover the wounds to prevent them from getting infected. It is important to protect the open sores from infection because if bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can lead to death.
