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Pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune skin disease in which an individual's immune system mistakenly makes antibodies against certain components of their own skin causing fragile blisters and erosions on the scalp, trunk, arms, and legs. It can also affect the mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth, and genital regions) leaving painful erosions. Diagnosis is often made by a skin biopsy that is sent for pathology review and immunofluorescence. Treatment depends on severity of disease.