Miscellaneous Flashcards
> What is Pemphigus foliaceus??
> What is the Rx
(PF) is an autoimmune blistering disease which tends to present with very fragile, easily ruptured superficial bullae which spontaneously burst and leave a thin layer of desquamated epidermis that dries into an adherent crust over a superficial erosion. These lesions are sometimes likened to “cornflakes” on the skin.
> PF is due to autoantibodies against desmoglein 1, which is a cell-cell adhesion molecule present on keratinocytes in the epidermis
> First-line treatment is generally systemic immunosuppression
Skin biopsy should be performed to confirm the diagnosis
Additional testing includes immunofluorescence of skin and blood antibody testing
Patients should be referred to an experienced medical dermatologi
