Drug-induced pemphigus

Abstract

Pemphigus comprises a group of autoimmune bullous diseases characterized by acantholysis (loss of adhesion between keratinocytes) that results in the formation of intraepithelial blisters in skin and mucous membranes. Drug-induced pemphigus (DIP) is a rare but well-established type of pemphigus, Multiple drugs are reported to induce pemphigus, most commonly thiol drugs. The mechanisms include autoantibody formation and direct acantholysis. Withdrawal of an offending drug may lead to remission or reduced disease severity in many patients.