Pemphigus vulgaris, an overlooked disease in young adults

Two cases of pemphigus vulgaris occurring in young men, aged 24 and 29, are presented. Prior to referral, each patient had persistent oral vesiculobullous and ulcerative mucous membrane lesions for at least six months and was treated with multiple courses of antibiotics and mouthwashes. On initial examination, both patients had the characteristic oral vesiculobullous lesions of pemphigus. A biopsy specimen of an intact vesicle confirmed the diagnosis.