PEMPHIGUS VULGARIS Pemphigus refers to a group of autoantibody-mediated intraepidermal blistering diseases characterized by loss of cohesion between epidermal cells (a process termed acantholysis). Manual pressure to the skin of these patients may elicit the separation of the epidermis (Nikolsky’s sign). Associated diseases PV has been associated with many other autoimmune diseases, particularly thyroid disease