mucocutaneous

Mucocutaneous is a medical term describing processes, diseases, or findings that involve both mucous membranes and the skin. It is commonly used in dermatology, infectious disease, and pathology to indicate involvement of mucosal surfaces such as the oral cavity, conjunctiva, nasal, genital, and rectal mucosa, as well as the overlying skin. The mucocutaneous junctions are sites where keratinized skin meets non-keratinized or specialized mucosal epithelium and are often the sites of characteristic disease manifestations.

Clinical mucocutaneous disease includes autoimmune blistering disorders such as pemphigus vulgaris and mucous membrane pemphigoid, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis with mucosal involvement, mucocutaneous candidiasis, herpes simplex and other viral infections, lichen planus with mucosal lesions, and inflammatory or genetic conditions affecting the skin and mucosa. Symptoms vary and may include painful erosions, blisters, ulcers, or crusts at mucosal sites and in surrounding skin. The mucosa is generally more prone to scarring and functional impairment than skin alone.

Diagnosis relies on clinical examination of the skin and mucous membranes, supported by histopathology and immunofluorescence when autoimmune etiologies are suspected. Management depends on the underlying condition and may involve systemic or topical immunosuppression, antifungal or antiviral therapy, supportive care for mucosal hydration and pain, and prevention of secondary infection. Understanding mucocutaneous involvement aids in early recognition of systemic diseases and in planning multidisciplinary care.