Desquamative Gingivitis in Cicatricial Pemphigoid: A Diagnostic Paradox!

Abstract

Desquamative gingivitis or gingival desquamation represents a clinical sign seen in many diseases,
especially of muco-cutaneous nature. One of the common diseases, in which gingival desquamation is
present is Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) and represents a variety of chronic auto-immune subepithelial
bullous diseases affecting the mucous membranes and sometimes the skin. MMP not only affects
the oral mucosa but ocular involvement is also quite common. The severity of the disease is variable, and the
gingival desquamation may be the first sign of this otherwise indolent disease and early diagnosis can reduce
the morbidity especially ocular changes which could be irreversible leading to blindness can be prevented.
We describe a case for documentation while describing the differential diagnosis and management of the
disease.