Abstract
Background: Pemphigus is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among dermatological diseases even after treatment with immunosuppressants. There are not many studies on precipitating factors of pemphigus from India.
Aims and Objectives: To identify the precipitating factors in pemphigus.
Methodology: Study was conducted in 30 patients with clinically diagnosed pemphigus in the Department of Dermatology, in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Detailed history of the patients with emphasis on intake of any drugs, moderate or excessive intake of food items with acantholytic potential within one year prior to the onset of the disease were recorded. They were interrogated about history of any unaccustomed physical activity and excessive exposure to sunlight or any surgery in the recent past. Patients were asked whether any injury, burns or infection had occurred recently. Mental stress was assessed using Presumptive Stressful Life Events (PSLE) scale.
Results: Precipitating factors noted were drugs (50%), infections (46.7%), sunlight (43.3%), physical stress (33.3%), mental stress (13.3%) intake of mango (13.3%), tea (10%), onion (10%) and chilly (10%).
Statistical Analysis: All the data were entered in the proforma and were analysed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 10.
Conclusion: Mental stress and infections were found as statistically significant precipitating factors in pemphigus.
Keywords: pemphigus, precipitating factors, acantholytic potential.
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Corresponding Author
Dr Sheena Ann Simon
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Dermatology & Venereology, Govt. Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, India
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i12.54
