Onset of Pemphigus Vulgaris

Abstract

The view that there are no prodromal signs in pemphigus vulgaris and that it affects persons who are otherwise healthy is not entirely confirmed by the results of a survey of 106 cases. In more than half the patients, pathologic states were observed for varying periods (usually two to three months) prior to appearance of the initial pemphigus lesions. Possibly the pathologic disturbances may so alter the skin or mucous membrane as to render it susceptible to an unknown “pemphigus factor.” Twenty representative cases are summarized.