Nail abnormalities in patients with vitiligo.

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary skin disorder affecting 0.1-4% of the general population. The nails may be affected in patients with an autoimmune disease such as psoriasis, and in those with alopecia areata.

Detection of pemphigus autoantibodies in healthy relatives of Turkish patients with pemphigus.

Background: Pemphigus autoantibodies have been reported in healthy relatives of pemphigus patients suggesting a genetic predisposition in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Aims: To test for the presence of pemphigus autoantibodies in healthy relatives of Turkish patients of pemphigus.

Methods: The study group comprised 45 pemphigus patients, 75 unaffected family members and 47 healthy individuals in the control group.