All About Cicatricial Pemphigoid And Its Relation With Ldn

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Cicatricial Pemphigoid is a type of pemphigoid which is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. Cicatricial pemphigoid is also known as mucous membrane pemphigoid. In this type of pemphigoid, blisters form on the mucous membranes in the skin. Rashes and blisters form on areas affected with pemphigoid and these may spread in other areas if left untreated.
Cicatricial pemphigoid most commonly occurs in the mouth and eyes, other parts likely to get affected are the nose, throat, genitals, anus, etc. in more severe cases, it may affect the face, scalp, or neck. If a pemphigoid develops in the eyes, it is called Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid (OCP). Cicatricial Pemphigoid most commonly develops in people whose ages are between 40 and 70 years. Women have twice a greater risk of developing Cicatricial Pemphigoid than men. Also, it usually develops in people who have a weaker immune system.

When to see a doctor

Cicatricial Pemphigoid requires immediate medical attention as it can create severe complications if left untreated for a long time. The blisters in the mouth can make eating difficult. ...
... If it gets severe, you may not be able to eat at all which can result in malnutrition or weight loss. Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid (OCP) can cause scarring and redness in the eyes. It may lead to vision impairment or complete blindness if any kind of compromise is made in eyes or respiratory conditions. The blisters usually become dangerous ulcers that may even result in loss of skin and scarring. Scarring can ultimately cause disfigurement.

How can you treat cicatricial pemphigoid?

The treatment of cicatricial pemphigoid depends on where it is formed and how severe the symptoms of cicatricial pemphigoid are. The doctors usually recommend the following medications and home remedies for treating cicatricial pemphigoid:
● Steroid based medications
● Steroid based ointments
● Painkillers
● Using lubricants, moisturizers on the wounds
● Eating a soft diet so that blisters can be prevented from worsening
● Taking care of dental hygiene
● In case the lesions become severe, the doctors may recommend surgery

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and cicatricial pemphigoid

In recent years, research has shown that the drug “Naltrexone” has done wonders. If given in low dosage, it can help to treat cancers, autoimmune disorders, etc. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) can treat cicatricial pemphigoid with least or no side effects at all. You can visit the harbor compounding pharmacy for more details.

Why should you treat it with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)?

Gestationis Pemphigoid
Cicatricial Pemphigoid is a type of pemphigoid which is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. Cicatricial pemphigoid is also known as mucous membrane pemphigoid. In this type of pemphigoid, blisters form on the mucous membranes in the skin. Rashes and blisters form on areas affected with pemphigoid and these may spread in other areas if left untreated. (GP) is a type of pemphigoid that develops in women during pregnancy, most probably in the second or third trimester. It was used to be known as herpes gestationis although it has no relation with herpes. In fact, this condition can develop at any time during your gestation period and blow up right after you deliver your baby. In Gestationis Pemphigoid (GP), itchy rashes and blisters form on the skin of the upper body including your abdomen, arms, and legs.
It occurs in the form of papules on the abdomen near the belly button initially. These papules are sores that look like hives. With the passage of time, the sores start to move outwards to the trunk, limbs, and the entire body. Then the blisters make a circular pattern right next to the papular patches on the skin. The blisters or papules will not accompany scarring unless there is an infection.
Gestationis Pemphigoid (GP) is a rare autoimmune disorder that usually develops in 1 out of 50,000 pregnancies. It occurs more frequently in white women as compared to the rest. Also, women who have had multiple pregnancies, a history of any other autoimmune disease, or the ones who use oral contraception have a greater risk of developing Gestationis Pemphigoid (GP). if this condition is left untreated or not taken care of, then it can even pass on from the mother to the child present in the womb, which is quite rare.
How is Gestationis Pemphigoid (GP) diagnosed?
Gestationis Pemphigoid (GP) cannot be diagnosed at home. It requires medical attention to be diagnosed. The doctor may recommend a few tests to ensure this condition. The doctors diagnose GP with the help of either skin biopsy or thyroid testing. Skin biopsy is done to check the presence of antibodies in skin and blood while thyroid testing is done to differentiate Pemphigoid gestationis (GP) from other autoimmune diseases that may have similar symptoms.
Treating Gestationis Pemphigoid (GP) with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Like every other type of pemphigoid, Gestationis Pemphigoid (GP) has no permanent cure. Its symptoms can only be relieved using steroids, anti-inflammatory medicines, and pain killers. Using steroid-based medications have long term complications. It is better to use low dose naltrexone (LDN) to treat GP, as it is significantly known to treat similar autoimmune disorders.
For more information about low dose naltrexone (LDN), please visit the harbor compounding pharmacy.
The opioid-blocker naltrexone might prove effective in treating several chronic inflammatoryskin diseases, according to the several reviews of reports, case series, and random trials.
With ranging evidence, oral low-dose naltrexone proved successful in managing Hailey-Hailey disease, lichen planopilaris, and pruritus associated with scleroderma. As reported by Natasha Atanaskova of the University of California Irvine, and her colleagues:
"Naltrexone, particularly in low doses, has the potential to treat an array of primary skin lesions through inflammatory and immune-cell regulation and skin regeneration" and "Potential future uses include the treatment of diabetic wounds, bullous diseases, scarring alopecia, alopecia areata, and psoriasis."
Clinical evidence:
The researchers analyzed 22 articles, which involved randomized clinical trials, case series, and reports. Of the articles evaluated, 14 included high-dose naltrexone, 7 were dedicated to low-dose naltrexone, and 1 was on a topical formulation of 1% Naltrexone.
Concerning lichen planopilaris, there existed only one case series, however, low-dose naltrexone cured pruritus, reduced inflammation of the scalp, and delayed progression of the disease in all four subjects treated. No side effects occurred.
For Hailey-Hailey disease, the analysis was conducted over case series and reports of 11 patients treated with LDN. In one set giving 3.0 to 4.5 mg doses orally, cured lesions completely in 2 months duration in each of the three patients. The disease flared up on the discontinuation of the drug, but on restarting the treatment they got resolved.
High-dose naltrexone helped various kinds of pruritus but resulted in increased adverse effects. In a prospective cohort study conducted in2016 on 18 patients suffering pruritus from different causes. They were treated with a dose of 50-mg. The benefit was observed in 13 patients on the pruritus visual analog scale in 50% improvement. Adverse effects involved insomnia, anorexia, exhaustion, and constipation.
As we can also see that the trials are not backed up with clear and strong conclusions, the researchers did not approve naltrexone for treating all of the chronic inflammatory skin diseases. They added: "However, research on animal models provides evidence that the medication may have several benefits on various aspects of skin disease. Among them are wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, immunomodulation, and symptom control."
Conclusion:
It was concluded by the researchers that "Reports of naltrexone use, the theories behind its efficacy, and thus far its low number of adverse effects are highly valued" and "Future reporting is needed to determine appropriate conditions, dosing regimens, and long-term risks."