The contents of the bullae are at first clear and serous but later may become hemorrhagic or sero-purulent. Usually the bullae rupture exposing extensive red and raw areas from which considerable loss of serum occurs. Some of them may be covered with crust. The disease leaves dark pigmented scars and stains on healing. The mouth is most often involved but denuded areas may be seen on conjunctiva, vagina and nose.
Patients have painful raw areas with detachable shreds of epithelium in the mouth.
These may extend to the pharynx and larynx resulting in dysphagia and hoarseness. Lips and gums may be swollen. The constitutional symptoms are usually slight. The temperature rises when the bullae erupt. Hypoprotenemia, severe hypochromic anemia and salt depletion are common.