Oral Pemphigus Vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune intraepithelial vesiculobullous disease of the skin and mucous membranes. PV commonly affects the oral mucosa and it can be the initial site of presentation. Oral lesions present as painful ulcers preceded by bullae. The diagnosis of PV is based on clinical, histopathologic and immunopathologic examination. Systemic steroids are the mainstay of treatment for PV. This article reviews the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentations, diagnosis and management of PV.Key Words: pemphigus vulgaris, steroids