eMedicine Specialties > Dermatology > Bullous Diseases

Pemphigus Erythematosus: Follow-up

Author: Rakesh Bharti, MD, MBBS, Consultant Dermatologist and HIV Specialist, BDC Research Centre, India
Coauthor(s): Rossitza Lazova, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Pathology, Director of Dermatopathology Residency and Fellowship Program, Yale University School of Medicine; Consulting Pathologist/Dermatopathologist, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Oct 20, 2008

Follow-up

Deterrence/Prevention

Sun avoidance and sun protection are recommended.

Complications

The types of medications used to control severe pemphigus erythematosus may lead to serious iatrogenic disorders.

Prognosis

The prognosis of pemphigus erythematosus is better than that of pemphigus vulgaris. With good dermatologic care, patients with pemphigus erythematosus are often able to live normal lives.

Patient Education

Patient education about possible triggers for the disease is important. Patients should minimize sun exposure. Additionally, as in all photosensitive disorders, patient education on the use of sunscreens, protective clothing, and sun-smart behaviors is a cornerstone of therapy.

Miscellaneous

Medicolegal Pitfalls

Special Concerns

  • A delay of pregnancy is recommended during treatment and for a minimum of 2 years after stopping treatment with immunosuppressants.
  • Wound healing may be delayed in patients on glucocorticoids.
 
Acknowledgments

The author acknowledges the patience of his wife Prabha Bharti while carrying out work on this article and the constant pushing of his learned sons Aseem and Anshul.

The authors and editors of eMedicine gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous Chief Editor, William D. James, MD, to the development and writing of this article.



More on Pemphigus Erythematosus

Overview: Pemphigus Erythematosus
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Pemphigus Erythematosus
Treatment & Medication: Pemphigus Erythematosus
Follow-up: Pemphigus Erythematosus
References
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Further Reading

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Keywords

Senear-Usher syndrome, pemphigus seborrheic, lupus erythematosus, pemphigus foliaceus

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Rakesh Bharti, MD, MBBS, Consultant Dermatologist and HIV Specialist, BDC Research Centre, India
Rakesh Bharti, MD, MBBS is a member of the following medical societies: International AIDS Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Rossitza Lazova, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Pathology, Director of Dermatopathology Residency and Fellowship Program, Yale University School of Medicine; Consulting Pathologist/Dermatopathologist, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut
Rossitza Lazova, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, and International Society of Dermatopathology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Ponciano D Cruz Jr, MD, Vice-Chair, JB Shelmire Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Ponciano D Cruz Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Texas Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

David F Butler, MD, Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic
David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa
Disclosure: 3M Pharmaceutical Grant/research funds Other; Graceway Pharmaceuticals Grant/research funds Other

Managing Editor

Julia R Nunley, MD, Professor, Program Director, Dermatology Residency, Department of Dermatology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center
Julia R Nunley, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, American Society of Nephrology, International Society of Nephrology, Medical Dermatology Society, Medical Society of Virginia, National Kidney Foundation, Phi Beta Kappa, and Women's Dermatologic Society
Disclosure: Johnson and Johnson stock holder dividends; Amgen stock holder dividends; Forest Lab, Inc stock holder dividends; Galaxo Smith Klein stock holder dividends; Covidien stock holder dividends; Novartis Grant/research funds Consulting; Biolex  sub-investigator

CME Editor

Catherine Quirk, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Brown University
Catherine Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD, Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center
Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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