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Pemphigus Vulgaris

What are the causes?

PV is one of a group of chronic, relapsing conditions in which the immune system produces antibodies against specific proteins in the skin and mucous membrane, leading to the inability of the skin cells to bind together. It is thought that PV may be triggered by a range of factors. Thus, a few cases of PV have occurred following reactions to medications, including penicillamine and captopril. Individuals are probably genetically predisposed to PV. Specific information about a gene change(s) will not, however, indicate the certainty with which an individual will become affected with PV in the future.

View What are the symptoms? What are the symptoms?  |  How is it treated? View How is it treated?

Medical text written September 2002 written by Contact a Family. Approved September 2002 by Professor M M Black, Consultant Dermatologist, St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' School of Medicine, London, UK.

 

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