pemphigus /pem″figəs, pemfī″gəs/ [Gk, pemphix, bubble] , an uncommon, severe disease of the skin and mucous membranes, characterized by thin-walled bullae arising from apparently normal skin or mucous membrane. The bullae rupture readily, leaving raw patches. The person loses weight, becomes weak, and is subject to major infections. Treatment with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive medications has changed the prognosis of this disease from almost certain fatality to a controllable problem compatible with a nearly normal life. The cause is unknown. Compare pemphigoid.
