Print DiagnosisYour healthcare professional may start by talking with you about your medical history and symptoms and examining the affected area. In addition, you may have tests, including: A biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of tissue for testing in a lab. To test for pemphigus, a piece of the blister is used. Blood tests. One purpose of these tests is to detect and identify antibodies in your blood that are known to be present with pemphigus. Your healthcare professional may refer you to a specialist in skin conditions. This type of specialist is a dermatologist.More InformationSkin biopsy TreatmentTreatment for pemphigus usually starts with medicines to ease symptoms and prevent new blisters. These may include steroids and medicines that target the immune system. If your symptoms were caused by use of certain medicines, stopping that medicine may be enough to clear up your symptoms. Some people may need a hospital stay to receive fluids, nutrition or other treatments. MedicinesYour healthcare professional may suggest one or more of the following medicines. The choice of medicines depends on the type of pemphigus you have, how severe your symptoms are and whether you have other medical conditions. Corticosteroids. For people with mild disease, corticosteroid cream or injections may be enough to control it. For others, the main treatment is a corticosteroid medicine taken by mouth, such as prednisone pills. Using corticosteroids for a long time or in high doses may cause severe side effects. These include diabetes, bone loss, an increased risk of infection, stomach ulcers and a shift of body fat. This shift in fat can lead to a round face, also called moon face. To avoid these side effects, steroids may be used only for short periods of time to control flare-ups. And other medicines that target the immune system may be used long term to control the disease. Medicines that target the immune system. Some medicines can stop your immune system from attacking healthy tissues. Examples are azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate (Cellcept) and cyclophosphamide. These too can have severe side effects, including an increased risk of infection. Other medicines. If first line medicines aren't helping you, your healthcare professional may suggest another drug, such as dapsone, intravenous immunoglobulin or rituximab-pvvr (Ruxience). You may need antibiotics to treat infections. Many people with pemphigus get better, especially if treatment is started early. But it may take years and can require taking medicine for a long time. Request an appointment Lifestyle and home remediesHere are steps you can take to improve your skin and overall health: Following wound care instructions. Taking good care of your wounds can help prevent infection and scarring. Talk with your healthcare professional about how best to care for your wounds and control pain. Washing your skin gently. Use mild soap, rinse and apply lotion afterward. Protecting your skin. Avoid activities that may hurt the skin. And protect it from too much heat and sun, even on cool, cloudy or hazy days. Avoiding certain foods. Blisters in the mouth could be made worse by spicy, hot or crunchy foods. Taking care of your teeth and gums. Regular follow-up with a dentist is important for people with pemphigus. Talk with your dentist about how to best take care of your teeth and gums. Coping and supportPemphigus may be difficult to live with, especially if it affects your daily activities or causes lost sleep or stress. You may find it helpful to talk to others with the disease. You may want to connect with a support group in person or online. Ask your healthcare professional for suggestions. Preparing for your appointmentYou're likely to first see your regular healthcare professional. You may then be referred to a healthcare professional who specializes in skin disorders. This type of doctor is called a dermatologist. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments Nov. 28, 2024 Print Show references AskMayoExpert. Pemphigus. Mayo Clinic; 2024. Pemphigus. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/pemphigus. Accessed Aug. 1, 2024. Pemphigus. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/pemphigus-overview. Accessed Aug. 1, 2024. Kelly AP, et al., eds. Acquired bullous diseases. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Aug. 1, 2024. Bolognia JL, et al. Pemphigus. In: Dermatology. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2025. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 1, 2024. Saag KG, et al. Major adverse effects of systemic glucocorticoids. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 5, 2024. Treatments. International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation. https://www.pemphigus.org/treatments. Accessed Aug. 5, 2024. Biopsy. Dorland's Medical Dictionary Online. https://www.dorlands.com. Accessed Aug. 5, 2024. Link JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Aug. 9, 2024. Related Pemphigus foliaceus Pemphigus vulgaris Associated Procedures Skin biopsy Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic PemphigusSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departments Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. 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