Search

The term “Oro - facial pigmentation” refers to a wide range of lesions or conditions featuring a change of color of O ro - facial tissues. Pigmentation of the Oro facial tissues is seen in certain races or ethnic groups such as Indians, Africans and E uropeans. Broadly classifying, O ro - facial pigmentation is divided into endogenous pigmentation and exogenous pigmentation. Endogenous pigmentation is due to pigments pr oduced within the body. Exogenous pigmentation occurs when foreign bodies get impregnated into the oral mucosa and appear as localized area of altered pigmentation. Drug constitutes an important endogenous cause of O ro - facial pigmentation. Hereby, we are p resenting an overview of various dru gs in the etio - pathogenesis of O ro - facial pigmentation.

According to Sir William Osler, Mouth is the mirror of the body which reflects systemic diseases. The oral mucosa may be affected by a variety of muco cutaneous diseases and oral les ions may occur first or very early in several muco - cutaneous disorders. Pemphigus is a group of potentially life threatening, chronic auto immune disorder characterized by epithelial blistering affecting muco - cutaneous surfaces. Autoantibodies in pemphigus vulgaris are directed against desmoglein in epithelial desmosomes, and the immune deposits result in intra - epithelial splitting (acantholysis). Oral lesions in the form of blisters and erosions are the first to manifest, and diagnosis is made by positive nikolsky’s sign, coupled with characterstic histopathology and immunofluorescent features. Corticosteroids form the mainline of treatment, but adjuvant and newer therapies are also been used at an increasing rates. This article deals about the etio pathoge nesis, clinical characterstics, diagnosis and treatment strategies for pemphigus vulgaris.