A group of
disease of the skin and mucous membranes characterized by the formation of blisters. It is though that they may be
autoimmune disorders, since during the active stages of the disease an immunoglobulin may be found in the circulating serum.
Pemphigus vulgaris occurs usually in persons between the ages of 40 and 60. Large blisters suddenly form on the skin,
often subsequent to blistering in the mouth or nose. The blisters occur most often on the
trunk of the body, in some cases covering very large areas.
In the past, this
condition ended in death; now, however, with the use of steroids, this
disease usually can be controlled. Other forms of
pemphigus exist but generally they are not as
severe as the vulgaris form.