Becky Strong describe her emotional journey towards obtaining a pemphigus vulgaris diagnosis. This honest portrayal of a patient’s search for answers emphasizes the importance of the International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation's Awareness Campaign (IPPF). Unfortunately, many patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) or mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) share Becky’s experience. The IPPF Awareness Campaign strives to change this, so future patients can instead describe a story of early diagnosis. ABOUT THE IPPF AWARENESS CAMPAIGN The IPPF Awareness Campaign seeks to reduce the amount of time it takes a patient to receive a pemphigus vulgaris (PV) or mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) diagnosis. The average pemphigus or pemphigoid (P/P) patient sees five doctors over ten months in search of a diagnosis. Since the majority of P/P patients present oral symptoms first, the Awareness Campaign focuses on PV and MMP — two forms of P/P with increased presentation in the mouth. PV/MMP patients often see a dentist as one of their first clinician contacts. Outreach is therefore directed to dental professionals, who have the unique opportunity to shorten diagnosis times. ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL PEMPHIGUS & PEMPHIGOID FOUNDATION The International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation (IPPF) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of all people diagnosed with, or affected by, pemphigus or pemphigoid. Pemphigus and pemphigoid (P/P) are rare autoimmune blistering diseases affecting the skin and/or mucous membranes. The IPPF provides support services to thousands of P/P patients, caregivers, and medical and dental professionals.

• published: 09 Dec 2014
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