Histopathology of Pemphigus Foliaceus

Abstract

Since the outstanding work of French and Belgian dermatologists, many papers have appeared in the literature stressing the value of the histopathologic picture in the diagnosis of the diseases of the pemphigus group. A review of the subject shows that a consensus among authorities has not yet been reached. Most studies refer to pemphigus vulgaris and its differentiation from dermatitis herpetiformis of Duhring-Brocq. In Brazil pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus vegetans, pemphigus of the mucous membranes, and familial benign chronic pemphigus are exceptionally rare entities, whereas pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus erythematosus (which we consider a forme fruste of pemphigus foliaceus) are very frequent. In this paper I am presenting detailed histopathological study of pemphigus foliaceus. Review of Literature The problem of histopathological differentiation of bullous diseases has been focused on pemphigus, dermatitis herpetiformis, and erythema multiforme. In the classical textbooks of skin pathology^1-4it is stated that