Pemphigus foliaceus

Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune blistering disease (bullous disorder) of the skin. Pemphigus foliaceus causes a characteristic inflammatory attack at the subcorneal layer of epidermis, which results in skin lesions that are scaly or crusted erosions with an erythematous (red) base.[1] Mucosal involvement is absent even with widespread disease.[2]

Pemphigus foliaceus
SpecialtyDermatology 
TreatmentTypically treated with topical corticosteroids in mild cases. In more severe treatment it is treated similarly to pemphigus vulgaris.

If there is an autoimmune IgG buildup in the epidermis, then nearly all of the antibodies are aimed against desmoglein 1. The effect of the antibodies and the immunological pathway is most likely one of three mechanisms:

  • Steric hindrance of the desmoglein 1: The antibody caps off the site for intracellular binding to another keratinocyte.
  • Activation of an endocytic pathway: The antibody activates a pathway which causes an internalization of desmogleïn 1, which in turn causes a loss of adhesion.
  • Disruption of function: In this case, the antibody blocks the desmoglein 1 from being formed into a desmosome. This in turn causes a loss of adhesion with acantholysis as a result.

Cause

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases describes it like this:

Normally, our immune system produces antibodies that attack viruses and harmful bacteria to keep us healthy. In people with pemphigus, however, the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the epidermis, or top layer of the skin, and the mucous membranes. The immune system produces antibodies against proteins in the skin known as desmogleins. These proteins form the glue that keeps skin cells attached and the skin intact. When desmogleins are attacked, skin cells separate from each other and fluid can collect between the layers of skin, forming blisters that do not heal. In some cases, these blisters can cover a large area of skin.[3]

Diagnosis

Pemphigus foliaceus is diagnosed base on history, biopsy of the affected skin, and testing either a blood sample or a skin sample for the antibodies that cause pemphigus.

Treatment

Epidemiology

Pemphigus is endemic in the rural areas of Brazil, especially along inland riverbeds.[1]

History

Pierre Louis Alphée Cazenave first described the disease in 1844.[4]

See also

References
  1. Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). Page 558–562. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-138076-0.
  2. Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.
  3. NIH Publication No. 15–7083 (June 2015). "Questions and Answers about Pemphigus". National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease. NIH. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  4. Medscape Reference


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