is a serious form affecting both skin and MUCOUS MEMBRANE. It causes widespread blistering, erosion and crusting of the skin. Extensive involvement of the lips, mouth and throat interfere with eating and drinking. It can be controlled by oral CORTICOSTEROIDS and other immunosuppressive drugs.

is seen in the elderly; the blistering is more superficial in the epidermis. It may be very widespread, but is not life-threatening because mucous membranes are not affected. Corticosteroids applied to the skin will sometimes control the eruption, but in severe cases treatment is as for pemphigus vulgaris.

is a variant where the blistering occurs because of separation of the epidermis and dermis. Mucosae are rarely affected and the disease affects mainly the arms and legs in the elderly. Treatment is as for pemphigus but smaller doses of corticosteroids usually suffice.