The key difference between pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus is that pemphigus vulgaris is a type of pemphigus that affects both mucosal membranes and the skin, while pemphigus foliaceus is a type of pemphigus that affects only the skin.
Pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus are the two main types of pemphigus. Pemphigus is a disease that causes blistering of the skin and the inside of the mouth, nose, throat, eyes, and genitals. It is a very rare disease in the United States. Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease due to the immune system attacking its own cells.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Pemphigus Vulgaris
3. What is Pemphigus Foliaceus
4. Similarities – Pemphigus Vulgaris and Pemphigus Foliaceus
5. Pemphigus Vulgaris vs Pemphigus Foliaceus in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Pemphigus Vulgaris vs Pemphigus Foliaceus
What is Pemphigus Vulgaris?
Pemphigus vulgaris is a type of pemphigus that affects both mucosal membranes and the skin. It is the most common type of pemphigus in the United States. It is an autoimmune condition affecting the mouth, throat, eyes, and genitals. The blisters are within a deep layer of the epidermis and are usually very painful. There is also a subtype of this condition called pemphigus vegetans, in which blisters mainly form in the groin and underarms. The symptoms of this condition may include blisters on the skin and mucosal surfaces, blisters that are easy to burst, affected skin that easily peels when rubbed, and pain at the blister. Risk factors for pemphigus vulgaris include ethnic groups such as eastern European Jewish and Mediterranean descent. The complications of this condition include dark patches on the skin, severe pain, and infections.
Figure 01: Pemphigus Vulgaris
Pemphigus vulgaris is diagnosed by taking a medical history, physical examination, blood tests and skin biopsy. Furthermore, treatment options for pemphigus vulgaris may include better oral health care (taking care of teeth and gums by regularly visiting dentists), prednisone and steroid creams (reduce inflammation), immunosuppressants and plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin.
What is Pemphigus Foliaceus?
Pemphigus foliaceus is a type of pemphigus that affects only the skin. It is an autoimmune condition and is less common compared to pemphigus vulgaris. Pemphigus foliaceus usually occurs on the scalp, face, neck, back, and chest. The symptoms of this condition may include blisters or small fluid-filled raised red bumps on the upper layer of the skin or epidermis, blisters that are soft and break easily, broken blisters that turn into sores, sores that are scaly, crusty texture and itchiness, pain or burning sensation. The risk factors of pemphigus foliaceus include certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, penicillamine, nifedipine, captopril, enalapril, insect bites, and sun exposure.
Figure 02: Pemphigus Foliaceus
Pemphigus foliaceus can be diagnosed through physical examination, skin biopsy, and blood tests. Furthermore, treatment options for pemphigus foliaceus may include stopping or changing any medicines that cause the symptoms, corticosteroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors to reduce blistering, and immunosuppressive medicines like rituximab, methotrexate, mycophenolate, or azathioprine.
What are the Similarities Between Pemphigus Vulgaris and Pemphigus Foliaceus?
- Pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus are the two main types of pemphigus.
- Both are autoimmune conditions.
- Both conditions may have similar symptoms, such as red blisters on the skin, painful sores, itchiness, etc.
- These conditions may cause complications.
- Both conditions can be diagnosed through blood tests and skin biopsies.
- They are treated through topical medications.
What is the Difference Between Pemphigus Vulgaris and Pemphigus Foliaceus?
Pemphigus vulgaris affects both mucosal membranes and the skin, while pemphigus foliaceus affects only the skin. Ths, this is the key difference between pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. Furthermore, pemphigus vulgaris is a more common type of pemphigus. On the other hand, pemphigus foliaceus is a less common type of pemphigus.
The below infographic presents the differences between pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Pemphigus Vulgaris vs Pemphigus Foliaceus
Pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus are the two main types of pemphigus and are autoimmune conditions. Both these conditions may have similar symptoms, such as red blisters on the skin, painful sores, itchiness, etc. However, pemphigus vulgaris mainly affects both mucosal membranes and the skin, while pemphigus foliaceus affects only the skin. So, this is the key difference between pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus.
Reference:
1. “Pemphigus Vulgaris.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 19 Nov. 2019.
2. “Pemphigus Foliaceus: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Pemphigus vulgaris – intermed mag” By Nephron – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Canine pemphigus foliaceus lesions” By self – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia