Description

Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune disease that causes painful blistering on mucous membranes like the mouth, eyes, or genitals. It can cause serious complications if it isn’t treated.

If you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks your healthy tissues.

Pemphigus vulgaris is the most common type of a group of autoimmune disorders called pemphigus. Each type of pemphigus is characterized by where the blisters form.

Pemphigus vulgaris affects the mucous membranes, which are found in areas including the:

• mouth
• throat
• nose
• eyes
• genitals
• lungs

This disease usually starts with blisters in the mouth and then on the skin. The blisters sometimes affect the membranes of the genitals.

Pemphigus vulgaris can be dangerous. Treatment is essential, and typically involves the use of corticosteroids to suppress the immune system. Some of the complications can be fatal.