Pemphigus Vulgaris

Abstract

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is the most common variant of pemphigus, a systemic bullous autoimmune disease that affects skin and mucous membranes, such as the oral mucosa. PV generally induces the manifestation of painful ulcers that may be associated with dysphagia and weight loss. Systemic steroids are the gold standard treatment for this condition, but these treatment modalities have various adverse effects and may be refractory. Photobiomodulation has been suggested to be combined with conventional therapies, especially in PV patients who do not show significant responses to corticosteroids or for those individuals with recalcitrant ulcers.