You're Offline
The page will automatically refresh once you get online
Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare long-term condition caused by a problem with the immune system. It causes blisters in the mouth and on the skin. It can be very serious, but treatment can help control it.
Pemphigus vulgaris causes blisters that burst easily and leave very sore patches.
The most common area affected is inside the mouth and throat, which can make swallowing painful.
The blisters and sore areas can cover a large area of the body. Sometimes they can also affect the eyes, genitals or anus.
Pemphigus vulgaris can have similar symptoms to more common conditions, such as impetigo and hand, foot and mouth disease.
Do not try to diagnose yourself. See a GP if you're worried.
If a GP thinks you could have pemphigus vulgaris, they can refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist) for tests and treatment.
Blisters caused by pemphigus vulgaris usually come and go over time. There's no cure, but treatment can help.
The main treatments are:
It usually takes a few weeks for the blisters to heal. Once this happens, you'll probably need treatment for several years to help stop the blisters coming back.
It may be possible to stop treatment eventually. If the blisters come back, you may need to repeat treatment.
If you have pemphigus vulgaris, there are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of further problems.
clean your teeth using a soft toothbrush and mint-free toothpaste
use antiseptic or painkilling (anaesthetic) mouthwash (try to avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol)
keep any sore patches clean to reduce the risk of infection
have regular dental check-ups
do not eat spicy, acidic or hard foods if you have blisters in your mouth
do not do activities that could damage your skin (such as contact sports) if you have blisters on your skin
Pemphigus vulgaris can lead to other problems, such as:
You'll have regular check-ups to look for these problems and may be referred to other specialists (such as a dietitian) if needed.
These are signs of an infection, which needs to be treated quickly.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Pemphigus vulgaris is caused by a problem with the immune system, which is the body’s defence against infection.
Instead of attacking germs, something goes wrong with the immune system and it attacks the skin by mistake. This damages the skin and causes blisters to appear.
It’s not clear why this happens. It’s not passed on in families and it’s not caused by an infection, so it cannot spread to other people.
Living with pemphigus vulgaris can be very difficult.
As well as support from your care team, it may help to get information and support from groups and charities such as:
