Highlighter is on. Drag to highlight text. Click a highlight to remove it.
ALL / Dermatology
Pemphigus vulgaris
Pemphigus vulgaris
Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease caused by antibodies directed against desmoglein 3, a cadherin-type epithelial cell adhesion molecule. It is more common in the Ashkenazi Jewish population.Features
- mucosal ulceration is common and often the presenting symptom. Oral involvement is seen in 50-70% of patients
- skin blistering - flaccid, easily ruptured vesicles and bullae. Lesions are typically painful but not itchy. These may develop months after the initial mucosal symptoms. Nikolsky's describes the spread of bullae following application of horizontal, tangential pressure to the skin
- acantholysis on biopsy
Image used on license from DermNet NZ
Pemphigus vulgaris. Flaccid bullae and oral erosions with secondary candidiasis
Image used on license from DermNet NZ
Image used on license from DermNet NZ
Management
- steroids are first-line
- immunosuppressants
+PassMedicine Notes
Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease caused by antibodies directed against desmoglein 3, a cadherin-type epithelial cell adhesion molecule. It is more common in the Ashkenazi Jewish population.
Features- mucosal ulceration is common and often the presenting symptom. Oral involvement is seen in 50-70% of patients
- skin blistering - flaccid, easily ruptured vesicles and bullae. Lesions are typically painful but not itchy. These may develop months after the initial mucosal symptoms. Nikolsky's describes the spread of bullae following application of horizontal, tangential pressure to the skin
- acantholysis on biopsy
- steroids are first-line
- immunosuppressants
