Article

Pemphigus Vulgaris Confined to the Gingiva

Abstract

Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) is an intraepithelial blistering disease that frequently affects the skin and mucous membranes. The oral mucosa is frequently affected in pemphigus patients. It does not have any gender preferences and can affect both men and women aged 40 to 60. In many patients, oral lesions may be the only initial indication of the disease. Oral lesions may be followed by skin lesions in some patients. PV manifests as blisters and erosions of the skin and the mucous membrane. Timely diagnosis and treatment of oral lesions is important. It is a challenge to diagnose PV with oral lesions because of their nonspecific presentations. The lesions are superficial erosions or ulcerations. Intact bullae are difficult to find but when found may be filled with clear liquid. Lesions may occur anywhere on the oral mucosa including gingiva. Gum inflammation or desquamative gingivitis is less common compared to other muco - cutaneous conditions such as mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) or oral lichen planus. This paper describes a case of a patient presenting with a three years history of painful and burning sensation of gingiva, which was earlier misdiagnosed and treated as gingivitis. Finally, it was diagnosed as a case of pemphigus vulgaris.

Keywords: Pemphigus Vulgaris, Woman, Gingiva.