Effectiveness of Lifestyle Modification Program on the Quality of Life in Patients with Pemphigus

The skin, the body's largest organ, serves as a critical protective barrier against environmental hazards and plays a pivotal role in immune defence.

Autoimmune diseases arise when the immune system erroneously targets the body's own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Globally, the prevalence of these disorders is on the rise, significantly impacting patient morbidity and healthcare systems.

Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune blistering disorder characterized by the production of autoantibodies against desmogleins-proteins essential for cell-to-cell adhesion within the epidermis.

Epidemiologically, pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is the most common subtype, with incidence rates varying geographically. Higher incidences are observed in regions such as the Middle East, with Iran reporting up to 5 cases per 100,000 people annually. In the Arab world, PV predominates in countries like Egypt, Sudan, and Morocco.

Complications of pemphigus are multifaceted. Patients are susceptible to secondary bacterial, viral, and fungal infections due to compromised skin integrity, which can escalate to sepsis. Oral mucosal involvement often leads to painful erosions, causing difficulties in alimentation and subsequent nutritional deficiencies.