Pemphigus

Pemphigus is an autoimmune disorder of the skin and mucous membranes characterized by blisters associated with the binding of IgG autoantibodies to epithelial cell surface. The common form is called Pemphigus vulgaris. Antigens in pemphigus are believed to be desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3. Antibodies belong to IgG1 and IgG4 type.

Mean age of onset is approximately 50-60 years. Histologic changes consist of intercellular edema with loss of intercellular attachments in the basal layer. Suprabasal epidermal cells separate from the basal cells to form clefts and blisters. These findings can help differentiate phemphigus vulgaris from pemphigus foliaceous, which demonstrates a more superficial epidermal cleavage.