Pemphigoid
Pronunciation: pem-FIG-oyd
A group of autoimmune subepithelial blistering disorders characterised by autoantibodies targeting basement membrane zone proteins, which can manifest in the oral cavity.
Full Definition
Pemphigoid disorders differ from pemphigus in that the blister plane is subepithelial rather than intraepithelial, meaning the epithelial layer remains intact over the bulla. The most clinically relevant subtype in oral medicine is mucous membrane pemphigoid (cicatricial pemphigoid), but bullous pemphigoid may also show oral lesions. Direct immunofluorescence of perilesional mucosa demonstrates linear deposition of IgG and/or C3 along the basement membrane zone, a key diagnostic criterion. Editors must not conflate 'pemphigoid' with 'pemphigus'; these are distinct entities with different immunopathology, prognosis, and treatments. The adjectival form is 'pemphigoid' (e.g., pemphigoid lesions), not 'pemphigous'.
Usage
Usage note: Always qualify 'pemphigoid' with the specific subtype (bullous pemphigoid, mucous membrane pemphigoid) in clinical writing to avoid ambiguity.
In Context
- "Pemphigoid was confirmed by perilesional direct immunofluorescence showing linear IgG deposition at the basement membrane." — Histopathology report
- "The manuscript incorrectly used 'pemphigoid' and 'pemphigus' interchangeably; both terms require clarification." — Peer review comment