Pemphigus Vulgaris
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that causes painful blisters to develop on the oral mucosa, skin, and lining of the nose, throat and genitals. The most common area affected is inside the mouth and throat, which can make swallowing painful.
Difference between pemphigus and pemphigoid
Pemphigus affects the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), causing splits within it. The blisters are fragile and easily ruptured.
Pemphigoid attacks lower down, separating the epidermis – which remains intact - from the underlying dermis, creating firm blisters that do not break easily.
PV is of particular interest to dentists because the blisters often develop in the mouth first, before affecting the skin a few weeks or months later.
With PV, the outer layer of the skin (or mucosa) splits internally, and forms blisters due to the breakdown of filaments called desmosomes that hold the epidermal cells together. The desmosomes break down because they are attacked by the patient’s own antibodies in an auto-immune reaction, and as the cell layers separate, the space fills with fluid.
The blisters are fragile and burst, leaving areas of raw mucosa or skin that are very painful and easily infected.
There's currently no cure for pemphigus vulgaris, but treatment, usually with immunosuppressants, can help keep the symptoms under control. This course takes you through all you need to know.
If you're not yet a member of Dentaljuce, we highly recommend you to join and gain access to our comprehensive course on pemphigus vulgaris.
This course, along with over 100 other CPD courses, is available for a single membership payment.
Aim
The aim of the learning and teaching materials in this Dentaljuce module is to allow learners to develop their professional knowledge, understanding and competence in managing Pemphigus Vulgaris, in line with their identified personal learning requirements.
Course objective
- to update members of the dental team with current best practice in managing Pemphigus Vulgaris.
Anticipated learning outcomes:
The learner will, with respect to the components that he or she has elected to study as listed below:- Understand how to diagnose Pemphigus Vulgaris.
- Understand the oral and general management of patients with PV.
- Understand the prognosis and epidemiology of PV.
- through achieving these outcomes, provide an improved level of service to their patients.
GDC Development Outcomes
This CPD will support the learner in meeting the following GDC Development Outcome(s): C, D.