Pemphigus Vulgaris Symptoms

Pemphigus vulgaris is one of several rare, related skin conditions that are also classified as autoimmune disorders. While treatable and not contagious, they're all potentially debilitating and traumatic, particularly early in their development.

Symptoms

• The main symptoms of pemphigus vulgaris are blisters and lesions on mucous membranes, such as on the genitals and inside of the mouth, and the skin. Each may crust, detach, ooze, peel, recur and spread.

Development

• Miami Valley Hospital reports approximately half of patients first develop blisters in their mouth and then blisters on their skin. The latter spread next, quickly creating complications that may debilitate or cause death.

Causes

• Pemphigus vulgaris results when the immune system creates antibodies that attack proteins in the mucous membranes and outer layer of skin, prompting cells in the tissue to separate. What causes the antibodies remains unknown.

Risk Factors

• People 50 to 60 years old and of Jewish or Indian ancestry are more likely to develop pemphigus vulgaris, although the disorder affects every age, ethnic group and race. It's also more common among people with another autoimmune disorder.

Treatment

• Oral corticosteroids help control--but not cure--pemphigus vulgaris by decreasing and healing blisters, lesions and infections. Severe cases may require hospitalization to prevent complications, including fatal infections.