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Pemphigus vegetans is a severe genetic skin disorder that causes thickened, discolored skin growths that can resemble tumors. It is caused by a malfunctioning immune system and can be triggered by certain chemicals or medications. Treatment includes corticosteroids, antibiotics, and surgery.
Pemphigus vegetans is a severe form of another skin disorder called pemphigus vulgaris. A person suffering from this disease typically forms a thickened layer of discolored skin, or what dermatologists would call “growth,” in specific areas of the body. Eventually, the growth would become larger and could result in a tumor-like appearance. Vegetal pemphigus is an autosomal dominant condition, meaning that an affected parent usually passes the disease on to their offspring. All variants of pemphigus are caused by a malfunctioning immune system that takes over and attacks the skin as a foreign body.
In some cases, plant pemphigus can also affect the tongue and inside of the cheeks, causing the skin to thicken. Sometimes, the vulva in the female genital region may also be affected. Patients may start suffering from the skin disorder at a young age and, early on, may experience numerous blisters that constantly “pop”. The skin under the popped blister does not heal properly, but instead develops discolored wart-like lesions that appear as small, gritty blisters.
Generally, dermatologists have observed two types of plant pemphigus. The Neumann type is the most common variant exhibiting the above signs. The Hallopeau variant is less common, but also less aggressive. Unlike the Neumann type, Hallopeau is characterized by numerous pus formations instead of blisters. The skin growth is also milder, but develops similar to hyperkeratosis, or the overproduction of keratin in the skin.
It has been observed that although pemphigus vegetans is a genetic disease, it can also be triggered by exposure to certain chemicals or medications. It has been observed that some patients have experienced skin disorders after taking captopril and enalapril, both used to treat high blood pressure. Heroin, particularly when inhaled through the nose, is also said to instigate skin disease. What makes pemphigus vegetans worse is the overgrowth of bacteria in the affected area.
Dermatologists recommend that patients treat pemphigus vegetans with topical or injected medications. A commonly prescribed medication is corticosteroids, which help correct the immune system and reduce inflammation in the skin. A milder form is recommended for topical corticosteroids, especially when applied to the face and genital area. A stronger dose may be prescribed when the drug is injected.
Corticosteroids can also be accompanied by antibiotics that help eradicate the growth of bacteria on the skin. Antifungal creams may be prescribed when dermatologists see a fungal growth. For more severe cases, surgery is needed to remove the extensive skin growth and to help the skin absorb the topical medication more effectively.
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