Pemphigus

[nguyentv]

Dear Doctor,

My brother is in mid-forty.  About July 2010 there were two black spots on his nose at first, they looked like chicken pox.  Soon the spots spread out entire body with blisters and then dried out.  He was diagnosed with Pemphigus Seborheique (not sure exactly).  He has been taking Medrol 16MG (Corticosteroid) and Omepazole 20MG medicines but does not work.  It has been over a year now; he is very painful on every single day.  Please help my helpless brother.  I've uploaded few pictures in my profile.

Much thanks in advance and God Bless You!

[mybroshane]

hi my brother has pf from head to toe is i in pain all the time he is going mad wont be to long till he drives us all mad  does eaney 1 no how long it takes to go away  ? email me ***@****

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Although corticosteroids is the primary treatment for pemphigus, side effects of cortico-steroids may require the use of so-called steroid-sparing or adjuvant drugs like immunosuppressants but these drugs may have serious side effects, including increased risk of infection and hence should be used cautiously.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[maatson]

I am sorry that your brother has Pemphigus foliaceus. Resistant cases non-responsive to steroids would do better with alternatives like biologicals. Do check with your derm.

Rapid response of treatment-resistant pemphigus foliaceus to the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab
British Journal of Dermatology

Volume 149, Issue 4, pages 899–901, October 2003