DEAR DR. GOTT: How do you get pemphigus vulgaris? My young relative has been diagnosed with this condition. He has been sick since November 2009 and can’t seem to get well. What should we expect?

DEAR READER: Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune skin disorder that causes skin or mucus-membrane blisters of the mouth or genitals that tend to rupture easily, leaving open lesions that can become infected. Pemphigus can occur in people of any age but is most common in those of Jewish or Middle Eastern descent. While it’s commonly a chronic condition, it can be controlled best with early diagnosis and treatment.

The immune system of a healthy person attacks harmful viruses and bacteria. In the case of pemphigus, the immune system gets confused and produces antibodies that attack healthy cells of the skin and mucus membranes. [Read more...]