British Association of Dermatologists
About Contact Disclaimer Feedback Authors
Introduction
Glossary
What is pemphigus vulgaris?
What types of pemphigus are there?
What areas of the body are affected by pemphigus vulgaris?
What does pemphigus vulgaris look like?
Who tends to have pemphigus vulgaris?
What causes pemphigus vulgaris?
Is pemphigus vulgaris hereditary?
Is pemphigus vulgaris catching?
Is pemphigus vulgaris serious?
Are there any complications with pemphigus vulgaris?
Does anything make pemphigus vulgaris worse?
Will pemphigus vulgaris go away?
How will pemphigus vulgaris be diagnosed?
How can pemphigus vulgaris be treated?
What does it mean if I am told my pemphigus vulgaris is in 'remission'?
Managing a pemphigus vulgaris 'flare-up'
What can I do to help myself?
How will pemphigus vulgaris affect my daily life?
I am about to see a health care professional; what do I ask him or her?
Other frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What do I do next?
Where can I get more information?
Print Page
>> What types of pemphigus are there?

There are several types of pemphigus including:

  • pemphigus vulgaris (PV).
  • pemphigus vegetans.
  • pemphigus foliaceus.
  • pemphigus erythematosus.
  • paraneoplastic pemphigus.

There is sometimes confusion between the other types of pemphigus and PV.

Pemphigus vegetans is a rare type of PV (see ‘How does PV affect different parts of the body?’). It is treated in the same way as PV.

If you would like to know more about pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematosus or paraneoplastic pemphigus please go to www.pemphigus.org

The information on this site is about pemphigus vulgaris.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is the most common form of pemphigus (about 7 out of every 10 cases of pemphigus are PV).

The name vulgaris comes from ‘vulgar’ which is Latin for ‘common’.

There are two main types of PV and one other more rare type depending on which areas of the body are affected:

Mucous membranes and skin both affected

  • This is called mucocutaneous PV.
  • This is the most common type of PV (about 4 out of every 5 patients have this type).
  • The most common pattern in PV is to get erosions in the mouth first and then go on to develop skin erosions as well 2.

Only the mucous membranes affected

  • In this type, just the mucous membranes are affected and the skin is usually not affected.
  • This is less common than mucocutaneous PV (about 1 out of every 5 patients have this type).

Only the skin affected

  • In a few people pemphigus vulgaris can affect just the skin but this is extremely rare 3 .


What if I am not sure what type I have?

If you have been given a diagnosis but are not sure exactly what was said to you, your GP will be able to help you. Sometimes a hospital doctor may just talk to you about ‘pemphigus’, but they will have written to your GP saying exactly which condition you have (see ‘What types of pemphigus are there?’). Alternatively, ask your hospital specialist at your next appointment and ask for a copy of the letter sent to your GP about you.

Next Page

 

 

 

 
site designed by ludwood interactive