Food and Nutrition

 

There is absolutely no evidence that there are any foods that contribute to Pemphigus or Pemphigoid.

 

If you have an ulcerated mouth though, eating can be difficult and some foods can make the pain worse. It is best to avoid:

 

• Onions

• Tomato and brown sauce,

• Garlic

• Marmalade

• Chives

• Lemons

• Leeks

• Pizzas

• Salt

• Pickles

• Oranges

• Vinegar

• Tomatoes

• Salad dressings

• Some cheeses (with high salt content)

• Fizzy drinks

• Toast and crusty bread

• All herbs and spices

• Hard food such as apples

• Berries, e.g. strawberry, blackberry, (including strawberry yoghurt)

• Nuts

• Crisps,

 

Alcohol can dry out the mouth, particularly red wine.

 

Milk and dairy products can also affect mucous levels if you have nose and throat implications for your disease.

 

When mouth lesions are particularly painful, try:

eggs,

fish,

custard,

ice cream,

soft small pasta shells (take care about the sauce),

soft vegetables (steamed to retain nutrients)

 

Eating Out This can be difficult, although some restaurants will prepare a special simple dish omitting certain items. You need to be pro-active and ask for a dish without a certain item or sauce and check menus carefully for what is in each dish. It is important to make sure you try to eat, even when it is difficult.

 

Try using a small plastic spoon as it is softer on the mouth than metal cutlery

 

Supplements

 

Food Supplements Vitamin and mineral supplements are reported to have positive effects, particularly Zinc. zinc

 

But the continued use of some drugs, mean that some additions are critical and others may help to restore depleted nutrients. Calcium, for example, combined with D3 is essential to counteract the risk of osteosporosis that comes with long term use of steroids.

 

Some drugs have their own requirement for supplements. Methotrexate for example should be taken with Folic Acid.

 

Nicotinamide is also often recommended for inflammation. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/nicotinamide/

 

Some supplements are detrimental though if they are taken above the recommended daily limits.