Mucous membrane pemphigoid
Mucous membrane pemphigoid is an uncommon autoimmune vesiculobullous disorder that affects stratified squamous epithelium. It occurs predominantly on the gingivae and palate (see Mucous membrane pemphigoid affecting the mandibular gingivae). Mucous membrane pemphigoid presents as large, painful and persistent erosions, and is characterised by subepithelial splitting, with bulla or vesicle formation. The lesions heal with variable amounts of scarring. Differential diagnosis includes pemphigus vulgaris.
Refer patients with suspected mucous membrane pemphigoid to an appropriate specialist for biopsy and definitive diagnosis1 . Management usually requires long-term use of immunosuppressive therapy. Ophthalmologist review is necessary because there is a risk of blindness with mucous membrane pemphigoid.
