I have Pemphigus Foliaceus (PF). I was diagnosed in September 2006 after a short illness. I was initially mis-diagnosed as having chickenpox. On September 4th 2006 I was admitted to hospital and stayed there for treatment for almost eight weeks.
Pemphigus Foliaceus is a blistering disorder. The immune system causes the cells near the top of the epidermis to separate from each other resulting in fragile, fluid filled blisters. Unlike Pemphigus Vulgaris, blisters do not occur in the mouth. Blisters usually occur on the torso, face and/or scalp.
Different subtypes of PF may be triggered by certain drugs including NSAIDs, by sun exposure, by insect bites or by other things. There is much anecdotal evidence to suggest stress as a further trigger for the disease.
Pemphigus foliaceus is not contagious and it is not hereditary.
I’m currently taking 15mg prednisolone, 2g Cellcept, 40mg omeprazole, 2 Adcal D3 tablets, 20mg citalopram and 5mg stemetil every day
I’ve suffered from just about every side-effect going: the ‘munchies’, confusion, short attention span, moon face, acid reflux, my hair falling out, depression, mood swings, insomnia, fatigue, swelling of limbs, dry mouth, cramps in my feet, dizziness, irregular periods, aching bones, joint pain, nausea … the list goes on.
