Overview
- Pemphigus and pemphigoid are rare.
- More research is needed.
- They are easy to misdiagnose.
Pemphigus and pemphigoid are NOT contagious. Not by blood. Not by fluids. Not by anything. Pemphigus and pemphigoid are not genetic. Pemphigus and pemphigoid are rare, autoimmune diseases that affect a very small percentage of the population. There are many different autoimmune diseases, and they can each affect the body in different ways. Pemphigus vulgaris, the most common of the pemphigus diseases, affects the skin and mucous membranes.
Pemphigus and pemphigoid are chronic illnesses that, with rare exception, do not improve without active treatment. Treatment approaches include a control phase and then a maintenance phase, with the possibility of complete remission or disease relapse (flare).
Pemphigus and pemphigoid patients are normal, everyday people and can live normal, everyday lives. It takes time, treatment, and perseverance, but it is possible.