Infectious diseases >>>> Viral pemphigus

Viral pemphigus.

Viral pemphigus (synonym: enteroviral vesicular stomatitis, enterovirus sore throat ) is a viral disease that usually occurs in childhood, less often in adults. The disease spreads by airborne droplets and by contact with contaminated surfaces (for example, household items). The disease is seasonal; outbreaks of infection are observed more often in the spring - summer season.

The causative agent of the infection is considered to be microorganisms from the group of enteroviruses (Coxsackie virus A16, A10, A5, enterovirus 71). Initially, viruses enter the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and skin by hematogenous route (through the blood), and into the bloodstream they penetrate from the regional lymph nodes, where they first enter from the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the first person becomes infected, becoming the carrier of the infection.

Typical signs of viral pemphigus:

A rash in the form of small sores or blisters (similar to stomatitis or another viral skin infection);
Typical localization of vesicles in the area of the oral mucosa and skin of the feet (fingers, sole edge), less often on the palms;
In the oral cavity, rashes are found on the palate, cheek mucosa, on the tongue, on the pharyngeal mucosa and sometimes on the tonsils;
The temperature rises up to 39 degrees;
Fever appears;
Itching appears in the area of the rash;
Pain in the mouth may occur;
Itchy rashes in the pharynx can provoke cough, runny nose;
Perhaps irritation of the conjunctiva of the eyes and the appearance of small hemorrhages in the conjunctiva, lacrimation, photophobia;
Stool disorder is possible;
Myalgia is possible ;
The general condition of the body may worsen.

Diagnosis of viral pemphigus is based on visual studies, on the analysis of a smear from the throat, analysis of feces, on the study of the contents of the vesicles.

The incubation period is from 3 to 6 days, the disease goes away on its own in a week or two and does not require specific treatment, except for measures to alleviate the patient's condition.

Stages of treatment for viral pemphigus:

Allocate separate dishes and items to the sick person for personal use;
Protect the family from contact with the sick person, and do all the manipulations with gloves and a mask, wash your hands regularly;
Give the patient frequent, abundant drinks to prevent dehydration;
Rinse with Diklonin solution;
In case of sore throat and oral cavity, you can spray with an aerosol containing lidocaine (Strepsils "Plus") for pain relief;
Cool drinks (for example, cocktails) and ice cream (they are not shown to babies) well distract from pain in the mouth;
Exclude sour and salty foods from the diet (including drinks with a similar taste) so as not to irritate the additionally inflamed mucous membrane;
Exclude taking aspirin (the development of Reye's syndrome is possible);
Antihistamines can be used to relieve itching;
To spur the immune system (only it will fight the virus by producing antibodies), immunostimulants are used if necessary ;
After the cure, conduct antiseptic treatment of personal items of the patient and those things that he touched.

Usually, the viral pemphigus resolves on its own (the bubbles burst and heal, the temperature drops), but there are examples of relapses of the disease and the appearance of complications after it (rare cases of aseptic meningitis, myocarditis, myelitis, or the development of generalized infection - the rash spreads throughout the body).