Red, blistering, and erosive lesions of the oral mucosa

Clinical diagnosis among the vesiculobullous diseases is difficult. Benign mucous membrane pemphigoid is a chronic condition, whereas bullous pemphigoid and erythema multiforme are self-limiting. Oral lesions can be the initial appearing feature of the disease. Therefore, routine histological examination with immunofluorescent studies and a good medical history will aid in differentiating among them. The case report described here shows a benign mucous membrane (cicatricial) pemphigoid in a 52-year-old female whose initial symptoms involved the oral mucosa with subsequent skin lesions. There is no other apparent mucosal involvement at this time. The symptoms are palliated with use of topical fluocinonide, but continued follow-up care is indicated.