Benign mucous membrane pemphigoid--a case report.
Benign mucous membrane pemphigoid (BMMP) is a relatively rare, chronic vesiculobullous disease. It frequently affects postmenopausal women, although cases have been reported in younger individuals. Benign mucous membrane pemphigoid has a predilection to affect multiple mucosal surfaces including the gingivae, hard and soft palate, alveolar ridge, nose, pharynx, gastrointestinal tract, genitalia and the conjunctiva. It is seen clinically as bullae or erosions on the mucosae or gingivae. The bullae rupture after 24-48 hours and the erosions heal within 7-14 days, sometimes with scar formation. Scarring frequently occurs with ocular mucosa involvement and may contribute to blindness. In order to make a diagnosis, the clinical features must be correlated with microscopic and immunopathological findings. Benign mucous membrane pemphigoid is treated with high doses of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. This paper is a presentation of a case report in a 36-year-old woman.