Pemphigus

Pemphigus is a general term for a group of skin diseases characterized by intraepidermal blistering as a result of loss of normal adhesion between cells (acantholysis). There are four recognized forms of pemphigus: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus vegetans, pemphigus foliaceus, and pemphigus erythematosus. These diseases have distinctive clinical and histological features but have in common the presence of autoantibodies reactive against epidermal intercellular cement.Pemphigus vulgaris, the most common form of pemphigus in North America, is characterized by flaccid blister formation occurring on normal-appearing skin and mucous membranes (e.g., the mouth, esophagus, and vagina). These blisters rupture when subjected to shearing, . . .