Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) causes widespread blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, which line the mouth, nose, throat and genitals (the vagina, cervix, penis and anus).
These blisters can burst and turn into painful sores that can take some time to heal.
In most people with PV, blisters first appear in the mouth, and may later affect the skin. Blisters in the mouth turn into sores, making eating, drinking and brushing teeth very painful. If they spread to the larynx (voice box), the voice can become hoarse.
If the skin is affected, PV will cause delicate blisters to appear all over the skin. These blisters easily burst to reveal red sores. The sores can crust over and form scabs, which can eventually discolour the skin. Sores may join together to form large areas of raw-looking skin.
These symptoms will flare up at unpredictable times, and fade at other times.
