pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus is a group of skin diseases characterized by blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. The most common and severe form is pemphigus vulgaris, where large, easily ruptured blisters appear on the skin and in the mouth. These blisters can prevent eating and, if untreated, lead to serious complications and death.1

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease. The body produces antibodies that attack proteins in the epidermis, causing skin cells to lose cohesion and leading to blister formation filled with fluid. Treatment involves immunosuppressive drugs and corticosteroids.1

Less severe forms, like pemphigus foliaceus, rarely involve mucous membranes and are typically controlled with lower doses of steroids. Benign familial pemphigus, or Hailey-Hailey disease, is an inherited disorder treated with antibiotics. Bullous pemphigoid is a separate chronic skin disorder with blisters forming under the epidermis, primarily affecting the elderly and responding well to corticosteroids.12