The role of the dental surgeon in the diagnosis and treatment of pemphigus vulgaris

case report

Resumen

Pemphigus vulgaris is a low-prevalence autoimmune disorder characterized by vesiculobullous lesions affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Lesions in the oral mucosa can be the initial manifestations of the disease and highlight the importance of the dentist in early diagnosis. The objective of this study is to report a clinical case of pemphigus vulgaris with oral lesions in a 44-year-old female patient with no comorbidities. Intraoral physical examination revealed ulcerated lesions throughout the oral cavity, accompanied by bullous lesions, ulcerations, and crusts on the skin. The patient reported having had the lesions for four months, with no conclusive diagnosis. These lesions made eating difficult and resulted in marked weight loss and the need for hospitalization. During hospitalization, the diagnosis was established by the medical and dental team based on clinical characteristics and medical history, followed by histopathological confirmation. Oral lesions were treated with 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate mouthwash and laser photobiomodulation, combined with systemic corticosteroid therapy, resulting in significant remission. Therefore, dentists' knowledge of the clinical and histopathological characteristics of pemphigus vulgaris is essential for early diagnosis and effective treatment, promoting patient health and quality of life. Further studies should be conducted to optimize management strategies for oral lesions in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.