Pemphigus vulgaris

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Pemphigus, vulgaris - lesions in the mouth

Pemphigus, vulgaris on the back

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disorder that involves blistering and sores (erosions) of the skin and mucus membranes.

Pemphigus is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system produces antibodies against specific proteins in the skin and mucus membranes. These antibodies break the bonds between skin cells. This leads to the formation of a blister. The exact cause is unknown.

Sometimes pemphigus is caused by certain medications, although this is rare. Medications that may cause this condition include:

• A drug called penicillamine, which removes certain materials from the blood (chelating agent)
• Blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors

Pemphigus is uncommon. It almost always occurs in middle-aged or older people.

Review Date: 09/11/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Roy Colven, MD, Dermatologist, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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