Medical Questions » Autoimmune Diseases Questions » Question No. 107
| Question: | My father keeps developing large watery blisters on various parts of his body, but particularly his thighs, hips and upper arms. His doctors say it is a condition called pemphigus, but none of their treatments are working. What do you suggest? |
| Answer: | Pemphigus is within a class of diseases known as autoimmune conditions, in which the body attacks part of itself in an attempt to reject it. In your father' s case, the body is rejecting the skin.
It usually starts in the fifties or sixties with red patches on the skin that then become large, soft, fluid filled blisters. The problem can occur on any part of the body, and may affect only a small area, or in extreme cases, the whole body may be affected, including the inside of the mouth.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by cutting out a piece of affected skin and examining it under a microscope. There is also a specific blood test for the disease.
Treatment is very complex and involves the use of medications to suppress the reaction including steroids and other more sophisticated drugs. It is often very difficult to control, but most patients go into remission after a few months. Recurrent attacks are unfortunately common. There is no specific cure available, but some patients go into prolonged remission. |
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