Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is done by a skin biopsy and then viewing the sample with direct immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. Specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are also used in diagnosing the condition.

Treatment:

Treatment includes using anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids such as clobetasol 0.05% as a topical cream, and oral prednisone. Immunosuppressant medication may be used as well.

What is Pemphigus vulgaris?

Definition:

A disorder where blisters form inside in the lower areas of the epidermis of the skin and ulcerations occur on mucous membranes.

Causes and prevalence:

Pemphigus vulgaris is due to an autoimmune reaction in which the immune system attacks healthy cells. This condition occurs in 0.5 to 3.0 of every 100,000 people.

Symptoms: 

The blisters break apart easily, are painful, and surrounded by reddened patches of skin. Ulcers occur in mucosal membranes such as the mouth making it difficult to eat. 

Complications:

People may lose weight because of the painful eating. Another complication is infection and later, sepsis, which can occur if the condition remains untreated.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is based on the physical signs and the results of a skin biopsy and immunofluorescence test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). There are tests on the characteristics of the lesions. These are the Nikolsky sign and Asboe-Hansen sign. In the former case, skin moves sideways when pressed and in the latter case, fluid in a blister moves when it is pressed.

Treatment:

Treatment is important because this illness will cause death if not controlled. Doctors usually prescribe immunosuppressive and also systemic corticosteroids. These medications can help reduce the overactive immune system and resultant inflammatory response.

Difference between Bullous pemphigoid and Pemphigus vulgaris?

Definition

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune problem where blisters form in the subepidermal part of the skin. Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune problem where blisters form in the epidermal part of the skin and ulcers form in the mouth.

Blisters

Blisters of bullous pemphigoid are subepidermal. Blisters of pemphigus vulgaris are in the epidermal layer.

Involves mucous membranes

In the case of bullous pemphigoid, it is very rare for mucous membranes to be involved. In the case of pemphigus vulgaris, mucous membranes are involved with ulcers forming in the mouth.

Age of patient

Mostly patients between 60 to 80 years are prone to bullous pemphigoid. Mostly patients between 50 to 60 years are afflicted with pemphigus vulgaris.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid relies on immunofluorescence and ELISA tests. The diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris is done by looking for the Nikolsky sign and Asboe-Hansen sign and by doing an immunofluorescence and ELISA tests.

Treatment

Bullous pemphigoid is treated by using a combination of corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, and immunosuppressant medications. Pemphigus vulgaris is treated by using a combination of corticosteroids, IV immune globulin (IVIG), and immunosuppressant therapy.

Prognosis

Bullous pemphigoid can cause death if untreated; with a rate of 23% fatality at one year. Pemphigus vulgaris can be lethal in 5 years if you do not get treated; fatality varies from 5% to 15%.

Table comparing Bullous pemphigoid and Pemphigus vulgaris

Summary of Bullous pemphigoid Vs. Pemphigus vulgaris

• Bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris are both skin conditions due to autoimmunity.
• Bullous pemphigoid also causes ulcers in the mouth.
• Pemphigus vulgaris occurs in middle-aged people while bullous vulgaris occurs in elderly people.

FAQ

What is worse pemphigus vulgaris or bullous pemphigoid?

Pemphigus has worse symptoms because it is a more severe disease, but both can cause death if untreated. Bullous pemphigoid has a higher death rate though.

What is the difference between pemphigus and pemphigoid?

Pemphigus conditions have shallow ulcers that easily break while pemphigoid conditions are those with deeper ulcers that do not easily rupture.

What is the difference between pemphigus and vulgaris?

Pemphigus means skin blisters and vulgaris means common.

What are 2 signs of pemphigus vulgaris?

Having blisters or ulcers in the mouth is one sign of pemphigus vulgaris, the other is having skin blisters.

What triggers bullous pemphigoid?

Several disorders can trigger this condition including having psoriasis, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.

What makes bullous pemphigoid fatal?

The skin blisters can become infected and this can lead to sepsis, shock, and death.

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