International journal of dermatology
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Pemphigus, a common immunobullous disease of skin and mucous membranes affecting both sexes of all ages, was almost fatal before the advent of corticosteroids. Better strategies to avoid their side-effects and recent introduction of adjuvant therapy has further improved its prognosis. As the treatment remains need-based and patient-specific, different regimens and strategies have evolved, each with its own merits and demerits. This retrospective hospital-based study was carried out to understand the clinico-therapeutic aspects of pemphigus in our clinic. ⋯ Pemphigus vulgaris is the commonest clinical type. Mucosal surfaces other than the oral cavity are uncommonly involved, it may herald the onset of disease and takes longer to heal. Dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse therapy seems to have a definite advantage over treatment with steroids alone, especially in terms of better control of disease activity, near absence of steroid side-effects and significantly reduced hospital stay. However, ways and means to reduce gonadal toxicity of adjuvants need to be explored as DCP therapy is likely to stay as a treatment of choice.