Pemphigus

Pemphigus is an autoimmune disorder in which your antibodies attack healthy cells in your skin and mouth, causing blisters and sores. No one knows what causes this attack. Pemphigus does not spread from person to person. It does not appear to be inherited. But some people's genes put them more at risk for pemphigus.

Pemphigoid is also an autoimmune skin disease. It leads to deep blisters that do not break easily. Pemphigoid is most common in older adults and may be fatal.

The treatment of pemphigus and pemphigoid is the same: one or more medicines. These may include

• Steroids, which reduce inflammation
• Drugs that suppress the immune system response
• Antibiotics to treat associated infections

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases