Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disorder that involves blistering of the skin and mucous membrane.
Pemphigus is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system produces antibodies against specific proteins in the skin and mucous membrane. These antibodies create a reaction that cause skin cells to separate. The exact cause is unknown.
Sometimes pemphigus is caused by certain medications, although this is rare. Medications that may cause this condition include:
Pemphigus is uncommon. It occurs almost exclusively in middle-aged or older people.
Baroni A, Lanza A, Cirillo N, Brunetti G, Ruocco E, Ruocco V. Vesicular and Bullous Disorders: Pemphigus. Dermatol Clin. 2007 Oct;25(4):597-603, ix.