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Leaf-shaped vesicles
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
Pemphigus foliaceus is a benign skin lesion with blistering. The disease is characterized by deep stratification of the epidermis, which leads to the formation of erosions.
Pemphigus foliaceus affects middle-aged people. High incidence areas are most often observed in South America, especially Brazil.
The primary element is a flaccid blister. However, due to their very superficial location, they do not exist for long, quickly opening up to form superficial merging erosions. Usually, lesions appear on the body and can spread further without affecting the mucous membranes.
Diagnosis is made using biopsy of lesions and adjacent areas of healthy skin and serum antibody titers.
Since pemphigus foliaceus is a more benign disease than pemphigus vulgaris, the treatment used is less aggressive. In some cases, glucoglucocorticoids are sufficient. Sometimes prednisone and additional immunosuppressants are necessary. Some patients only need 500 mg of tetracycline 4 times a day and 1.5 g of nicotinamide per day. In severe cases, plasmapheresis is used.
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