Children are often exposed to many diseases, since the immune strength of their body is not enough to resist various infections. Sometimes you can notice the presence of bubbles on the skin or mucous membranes of the child. This is the main symptomatic manifestation called pemphigus. Next, we will consider how the disease progresses in adults and children, whether it is contagious or not, how it is transmitted, and what treatment is most effective.
What is pemphigus
Viral pemphigus in children tends to spread quickly, especially in groups of children.
The disease is contagious: the pathogen from saliva and secretions from wounds is transmitted by coughing, sneezing, or through objects.
Blisters filled with clear liquid contents appear on the patient’s skin and mucous membranes. The blisters cover the mouth, feet, hands, buttocks, and genital areas, cause itching, and can merge into larger formations.
A type of pemphigus called pemphigus occurs in newborns and is bacterial in nature. The cause of skin lesions is a staphylococcal infection in a child.
Forms of pemphigus
Enteroviral pemphigus (also called ordinary or vulgar) is not the only form of the disease.
Pemphigus occurs in several other forms:
- leaf-shaped;
- seborrheic;
- vegetative.
All these varieties are characterized by a common symptom - the appearance of blisters with liquid contents on the skin and mucous membranes.
Viral type
In the viral form of pemphigus, rashes cover the mucous membrane of the mouth, as well as the skin on the legs, arms, and buttocks. The fluid-filled blisters itch and itch, then burst and turn into very painful sores. Within a week, the ulcers heal and crust over. After ten days, the symptoms disappear, but the risk of re-infection remains for up to several months.
Leaf type
The leaf-shaped form is characterized by the fact that in places of erosion, after the opening of the blisters, layered crusts are formed, shaped like leaves. This type of pemphigus usually does not affect the mucous membranes; the rashes are localized on the chest, back, and scalp. This form of the disease is characterized by a longer healing period for the resulting erosions. The temperature may also rise and water-salt metabolism may be disrupted.
Seborrheic type
In the seborrheic form, the blisters are localized mainly on the scalp. The crusts that cover burst blisters have a characteristic grayish-yellow color.
Vegetative type
With pemphigus vegetans, the lesions are located in and around the mouth, around the nose, in skin folds, and on the genitals. Erosions have an unpleasant odor and a serous or purulent coating.
The blisters often merge and form large inflamed areas on the surface of the skin.
Children suffer predominantly from the vulgar form of pemphigus. It is accompanied by fever, general malaise and weakness, and possible sore throat. However, in severe cases, the disease can become chronic and lead to pathology of the liver, heart, and kidneys.
