Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune blistering disease of the skin with characteristic lesions that are scaly, crusted erosions, often on an erythematous base. Mucosal involvement is absent even with widespread disease.

If there is an autoimmune IgG buildup in the epidermis, then nearly almost all of the antibodies are aimed against desmoglein 1. The effect of the antibodies and the immunological pathway is most likely either of three mechanisms: