Pemphigus Symptoms

Itching and pain are common symptoms. Pemphigus may occur over a small or large section of the skin. Symptoms differ among the types.

Pemphigus Vulgaris

• Blisters usually start in the mouth or on the scalp
• Lesions progress to the face, neck, upper body, armpits, and groin
• Blisters also may occur in the esophagus, rectum, nose, throat, larynx (voice box), eyes, vulva, or rectum
• Surrounding skin may be red or normal color
• Pressure on the blister may cause it to expand into surrounding tissue
• Outer layer of skin can easily be rubbed off
• Blisters are soft and break easily, releasing fluid
• Open sores are painful
• Large areas of skin may open up, increasing the risk of fluid imbalance and infection
• Blisters usually heal without scarring, but skin color may change to brown

Pemphigus Foliaceus

• Blisters are itchy or produce a burning sensation
• Sores are usually not found in the mouth or on other mucus membranes
• Blisters usually first show up on the face, scalp, chest, or upper back
• Blisters open, causing shallow sores
• Skin is red
• Scales and crusts form
• Sunlight may make symptoms worse

Paraneoplastic Pemphigus

• Sores occur on the mucous membranes, in the mouth, eye, and esophagus
• Blisters often appear on palms of hands and soles of feet
• Lesions are itchy or painful