Understanding Pemphigus vulgaris, a rare auto-immune disease that primarily affects the mouth. By: Joycelyn Eludoyin

 Overview

Pemphigus vulgaris is a non-communicable auto-immune disease, that occurs when the

immune system attacks healthy, unproblematic proteins that are used for skin regeneration. This

paper will go over the causes, symptoms, and treatment for PV.



What is Pemphigus vulgaris (PV)?

As many other autoimmune diseases, Pemphigus vulgaris is extremely uncommon. 1-5

cases are reported per million people. Individuals diagnosed with PV will first see symptoms in

their mouth and throat, as blisters and sores will begin to form. The oral manifestations stem

from the immune system incorrectly sending autoantibodies to fight off structural proteins called,

desmoglein 3, which are responsible for maintaining the integrity of skin and mucus membranes.

When desmoglein 3 is met with these autoantibodies, skin cells start to separate and fill with

fluid or pus, which forms the painful blisters and lesions. Mucus membranes are primarily in the

mouth, nose, and respiratory region, which is why the oral region the first area to show

symptoms. PV can and is likely to spread to other regions of the body such as the scalp, back,

arms, etc. Blisters and sores are also prone to spread to infected areas.

Why is it important?

Pemphigus vulgaris is mainly found in individuals with southern Asian and Middle

Eastern/Mediterranean ethnic roots, such as Indians or Jewish populations. This is due to these

groups having unique HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) functions. Their HLA alleles mistake

normal and necessary autoimmune proteins as foreign, more often than those with different

genetic makeups. This is what causes desmoglein 3 to be repressed.

Middle aged groups ranging from 40-60 years old are more at risk for PV, due to

immunosenescence, the natural aging of the immune system. Because of these factors, people in

either or both of these demographics should be sure to report any sighting of oral blisters,

lesions, or general unease. Rapid weightloss is seen in those with PV, as eating becomes difficult

due to the oral injury, as well as decreased skin generation from the lack of desmoglein 3.

Pemphigus vulgaris can be fatal if left untreated.

It is also important to note other underlying causes of PV. Mass impoverishment is

prevalent in areas such as Southern Asia, which may contribute to the rate in which people is this

geographical location experience Pemphigus vulgaris. This can be supported through western

countries, such as Finland, having better living conditions, and .72 cases of PV, while India has

16 cases. *Correlation is not causation, but correlation nonetheless.*

Treatment


Unfortunately, researchers and health care providers do not fully understand PV. As of

today, there is no cure for the sickness. There are medicines such as rituximab that work to

deplete and suppress the autoantibodies that attack the desmoglein 3 cells. Others like

corticosteroids and steroid-sparing immunosuppressants work hand-in-hand to reduce the effects

of Pemphigus vulgaris. External care is also a method of treatment. This includes reducing

blisters and sores with ointments.


Closing Statements

Pemphigus vulgaris is a generally uncommon autoimmune disorder which attacks structural

mucus and skin proteins, and creates very harmful blisters and sores in the mouth. There is no

cure, but there are medicines and non-invasive methods to lessen severity. People with southern

Asian and Middle Eastern roots are more prone to PV, due to genetic factors.


Authors Note: I strongly believe that this sickness specifically is something that can go extinct, if enough research is

put into it. Current research shows that it is specific in certain demographics, which eliminates many factors that are

genetic or geographical. I want Pemphigus vulgaris to be more known, as it is something that anyone can be

af ected by.


Sources


NHS Choices. “Overview - Pemphigus Vulgaris.” NHS, 2019,

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pemphigus-vulgaris/. Accessed 13 July 2026.


Hopkins Medicine . (n.d.). Pemphigus Vulgaris [Review of Pemphigus Vulgaris].

Www.Hopkinsmedicine.Org. Retrieved July 13, 2026, from

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pemphigus-vulgaris


Ingold, C. J., & Khan, M. A. (2021). Pemphigus Vulgaris. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560860/


Nancy Garrick, D. D. (2017, April 11). Pemphigus. National Institute of Arthritis and

Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/pemphigus


About Pemphigus vulgaris (PV). (2026). Roche.Com.

https://medically.roche.com/global/en/microsites/about-pv.html


Porro, A. M., Seque, C. A., Ferreira, M. C. C., & Enokihara, M. M. S. S. (2019). Pemphigus

vulgaris. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 94(3), 264–278.

https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20199011

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