Pediatric Pemphigus Vulgaris

Abstract

Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease affecting the skin and mucous membranes. It is most commonly seen in middle to old age, with a mean age of onset in the sixth decade. With the exception of an anecdotal report from Budapest,¹claiming a high incidence of pemphigus vulgaris in children, most authors have pointed out that all forms of pemphigus rarely occur in childhood and adolescence.^2-4 We describe a 13-year-old girl with pemphigus vulgaris confined to the mouth. She was treated only with topical corticosteroids. High-dose corticosteroid therapy with or without immunosuppressive agents may not be necessary in all cases of pediatric pemphigus vulgaris. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> A 13-year-old girl was seen in the dermatology clinic with a two-year history of painful, eroded gingival, lingual, and buccal mucosal lesions. Several dentists had remarked about the friability of her gums; however, dental braces had been fitted uneventfully. She