
Pemphigus vulgaris presenting as gingival involvement
Author(s) -
Mukhatar Ahmed Javali,
Heena Zainab
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
indian dermatology online journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-5673
pISSN - 2229-5178
DOI - 10.4103/2229-5178.101821
Subject(s) - pemphigus vulgaris , medicine , mucocutaneous zone , dermatology , presentation (obstetrics) , mucous membrane , disease , pemphigus , pathology , surgery
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disease affecting the mucous membrane and skin. Typically, oral lesions appear before skin lesions, and in a majority of the cases only oral lesions are present. The dentist may then be the first to recognize and diagnose this disease. It is unusual for PV to present over the gingiva as a primary site of involvement. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and confirmed by histopathological study. Early diagnosis and management can prevent the uneven life- threatening effects of this potentially chronic mucocutaneous disorder. The case serves to enhance our awareness of the gingiva as a site at which systemic disease can manifest itself.