Inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes. Part 2. Immunopathologic ulcerative and desquamative diseases.

Bullous and desquamative diseases of the oral mucosa are not common, with the exception of ulcerative lichen planus. All produce mild to severe mucosal pain and some can be life-threatening. Recent studies have helped elucidate the pathogenesis of immunopathologic diseases, although the precise etiology for most of them remains unknown. Minor and major aphthae, lichen planus, pemphigoid, pemphigus and erythema multiforme are discussed.