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Hi lulu323
Thanks for your question and welcome!
No, pemphigus is not contagious but it may be hereditary. Here is what we know:
Pemphigus is a group of rare autoimmune disorders. It causes large skin blisters. The immune system normally protects against germs and other foreign invaders. In this case, the immune system mistakenly attacks your own skin and mucus membranes. There are three forms of the disease:
■Pemphigus vulgaris—most common type of pemphigus; lesions may extend deep into the layers of the skin
■Pemphigus foliaceus—produces more superficial lesions
■Paraneoplastic pemphigus—most serious type; usually occurs in someone who has cancer
Causes
The immune system produces antibodies. These cause the skin and mucus membranes to break out in blisters and burn-like sores. What causes the body to attack itself is not known. Sometimes a drug can cause symptoms.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chance for pemphigus include:
■Family members with pemphigus
■A history of having autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis , lupus , or thymoma
■Age: middle to late adulthood
■Jewish or Mediterranean descent
lulu, we have a lot of other information for you to read on our Pemphigus page here: http://www.empowher.com/media/reference/pemphigus
Is this something you are dealing with, or someone in your family is? Are you worried about also being at risk? Let us know and we'll be happy to help you further.
Our best to you,
November 12, 2010 - 2:39pm~Susan
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