Definition And Description

Pemphigus is a chronic affection of the skin, characterized by the development of bullae, from the size of a pea to that of an egg, upon any portion of the body. They may be few or numerous, but if many be present at the same time they are sometimes found aggregated in little groups of three or four together. Their contents are usually serous and transparent; but sometimes the admixture of a little pus renders the fluid slightly opaque. Of Pemphigus, one of the older writers described ninety-seven varieties. For present needs, however, two will suffice. These are Pemphigus vulgaris and Pemphigus foliaceus. It will be best to describe them separately.