Pemphigus Vegetans
This page covers the following:
What is pemphigus vegetans?
Pemphigus vegetans is the rarest form of pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Around 1-2% of PV cases are of this form, which is characterised by vegetative plaques forming. These are made up of granulating, crusty tissues and are most common on the face, scalp and groin.
There are two subtypes of pemphigus vegetans, which are initially characterized by flaccid bullae and erosions (the Neumann subtype) or pustules (the Hallopeau subtype).
It is usual for you to have mouth involvement with this variant of the disease.
What is the difference between pemphigus vulgaris and vegetans?
The autoimmune processes, the diagnosis and the treatments for pemphigus vegetans are very similar to those of pemphigus vulgaris. There is some evidence that corticosteroids can be a little less effective in the therapeutic regime. However, the prognosis is reported to be more positive than for PV.
Where can I find more information?
Specific information sources for pemphigus vegetans is limited. The following three links may be useful. The International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation have some information, as does the PV page of the Primary Care Dermatology Society. This page on PV and pemphigus vegetans on the News Medical website may also be useful.
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