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Skin diseases

Pemphigus vulgaris

A long-term disease in which the immune system attacks the skin. Painful fluid-filled blisters that burst easily appear in the mouth and on the skin.

Not part of the panel of Türkiye's National Newborn Screening Programme (heel-prick test). Source

Prepare an emergency card

This page is translated from the Turkish original.

This disease is followed through the “Skin diseases” group.

Understanding the disease

This section has not yet been reviewed by a physician. It summarises patient information from sources such as MedlinePlus, Orphanet and the NHS in plain language. The disease can differ from person to person; talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.

What happens in this disease?

The immune system normally fights germs. In this disease it mistakenly attacks the proteins that hold skin cells together. The bond between cells breaks and a blister forms. The inside of the mouth is affected most. It is seen more often in middle age and later life.

Which symptoms can occur?

Blisters may come and go over time.

  • Painful blisters and sores in the mouth; the first sign in most people
  • Pain when swallowing
  • A few months later, blisters on the skin that burst easily
  • Sores that ooze, crust and peel
  • Sores on the eyes, genitals or around the anus (sometimes)
  • Infection of the sores
  • Weight loss due to difficulty eating

How is it diagnosed?

A skin specialist examines the blisters and the inside of the mouth. A small piece of skin is taken and examined; this is called a biopsy. Special staining and blood tests show the antibodies made against the skin.

Treatment and care

There is no definite cure for the disease, but it can be brought under control with treatment. The basis of treatment is medicines that suppress the immune system. There is also an approved targeted treatment for pemphigus. Treatment should start early. Even when the blisters heal, treatment lasts for months, sometimes years. The mouth and skin are kept clean, and a soft toothbrush is used. Widespread sores may need wound care in hospital. If symptoms do not return for a long time, treatment can be stopped. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

Pemphigus vulgaris is not inherited; it is not passed from parents to children. It is not an infection either and does not spread to others. Some people may have a genetic tendency. But it is not possible to know in advance who will develop the disease. It is seen more often in some populations.

Source: MedlinePlus: Pemphigus vulgaris · NHS: Pemphigus vulgaris · NORD: Pemphigus and Pemphigoid

Key facts

How common is it?
Prevalence: 1-5 per 10 000 (Europe)
How is it inherited?
Not inherited
When does it usually start?
Adulthood, Childhood, Older age
Reliable sources
Orphanet

These facts are taken from Orphanet and MedlinePlus records (last checked: October 7, 2026). Frequency values are approximate ranges.

You are not alone: patient associations in Türkiye

Non-profit patient and family organizations in Türkiye working on this disease or disease group. Links are for information; Doktorclub is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them.

We could not find a patient association specific to this disease.

For all rare diseases: Nadir Hastalıklar Federasyonu

Support and help

Doktorclub does not diagnose, recommend treatments or refer you to hospitals or doctors. These pages are meant to help you talk with your doctor.

News about Pemphigus vulgaris

Clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)

A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works, in patients who volunteer. Most trials look for a certain age, genetic change and health condition. Taking part is voluntary.

This list is not a treatment recommendation. Treatments tested in phase 1–3 trials are investigational (experimental): their efficacy and safety have not yet been proven and they are not approved treatments. Taking part depends on each trial’s criteria and a physician’s assessment; the first step is to talk to the doctor who manages your care.

Questions you can ask your doctor

  • Could this trial be suitable for us?
  • If we take part, how would current treatment and check-ups be affected?
  • Where does the trial take place, and how are travel and accommodation handled?
  • What happens if we want to leave the trial?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 12 active interventional studies for this disease. 6 are recruiting now; none has a site in Türkiye. Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Selected records (studies with a site in Türkiye first):

See all studies on ClinicalTrials.gov · Joining clinical trials

Skin diseases: other news

Medical codes (for talking with your doctor and finding sources)

These codes identify the disease in international classifications and databases. They can help when you talk with your doctor or look for reliable sources.

Orphanet code: ORPHA:704 · ICD-11 EB40.0

Codes checked against WHO ICD-11 and Orphanet on October 7, 2026.

This page provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

The information on these pages is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment decisions. In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112.

Every update is based on an open source and labeled with its level of evidence. No advertising and no drug brand names. Our scientific principles

This page was translated from Turkish by the Doktorclub editorial team.