Forty-year-old Mahadevappa had blisters all over his body and was in great pain. Doctors at the hospital also found blisters in his mouth. Dr Hanumanthayya, head of the Dermatology Department in Vydehi Medical College and Hospital, says,
“This is an auto-immune disease called Pemphigus Vulgaris. People in their forties and fifties are seen to suffer from this blistering disease.” One must get examined regularly by doctors to protect oneself from the disease.
The blisters occur due to Autoimmunity, says Dr Hanumanthayya. Normally our body has a defence mechanism in the form of antibodies that combat invading organisms. Sometimes, these antibodies fight against our own skin cells and damage them and produce blisters.
Those affected must be educated about the chronicity of the disease and must be given continued treatment for many months to years. Treatment usually consists of steroids and Immunosuppressants.
Dr R Rashmi, consultant dermatologist , BGS Global Hospital,says,“Blisters may occur due to obstruction of sweat gland. The blisters are seen on hands and feet. In some cases, they occur due to drug allergy. The patient should immediately consult a doctor. Usually the Alum Crystal is mixed in clean water and applied on the effected area.”
