Understanding Pemphigus Vulgaris
Pemphigus vulgaris is the most common type of a group of autoimmune disorders collectively called pemphigus. It is a painful, disfiguring and potentially fatal disease characterized by progressive blistering of skin and/or mucous membranes.
Pemphigus vulgaris occurs when the immune system mistakenly creates antibodies against proteins in healthy skin1
The cause of the disorder is uncertain1
The disease has a mortality rate between 5-15%2 mostly due to complications of infections1
It is a rare disease.
~3 in every 100,000
people are diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris2
30-60
is the age range when the disease primarily appears3
Blisters in the mouth are typically the initial symptom, making it difficult to swallow or eat4
Blisters may also affect mucous membranes, which are found in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals and lungs1
Blisters form within the deep layer of the epidermis and often leave pigmented spots on the surface of the skin3
