Pemphigus and pemphigoid: dermatologic examples of type II immune reactivity.

Pemphigus is an erosive disease of the skin and mucous membranes, characterized by intraepidermal blisters, acantholysis of epidermal cells and a serum antibody directed to an antigen at the intercellular space. Pemphigoid is a bullous disease primarily of the skin and usually seen in older individuals. The blister forms beneath the epidermis and the serum antibody is directed to the basement membrane zone. Both diseases may require systemic corticosteroids or cytotoxic agents for control.