Living with Pemphigus and fogo selvagem
A rare autoimmune skin disease with blisters on oily areas of skin, common in rural Brazil and some other regions.
Understanding Pemphigus and fogo selvagem
Immune proteins called autoantibodies attack a skin protein called desmoglein 1. Blisters appear mainly on oily areas such as the head, neck, upper chest, and back. It doesn't affect the moist linings of the mouth. UV light can make it worse. It often occurs in children and young adults.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms, but the summary describes:
- Blisters just under the top layer of skin
- Skin lesions on the head, neck, upper chest, and back
- Lesions that get worse with sunlight (UV light)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include skin, hair, and nail specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says autoantibodies target a skin protein called desmoglein 1, which causes the blisters. It is a disease where the immune system attacks the body's own skin.
Also known as: brazilian pemphigus; brazilian pemphigus foliaceus; endemic pemphigus foliaceus; fogo selvagem; south american pemphigus; wildfire pemphigus
Patient organizations
- International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid FoundationPemphigus and fogo selvagem · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Pemphigus and fogo selvagem.
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