Refractory pemphigus vulgaris in a military aviator.

Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare, chronic autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes that if untreated can be fatal. Current treatment regimens use high-dose systemic steroids to reduce the production of autoantibodies and adjuvant immunosuppressives to compliment and reduce the need for steroids. The disease itself and the pharmacotherapy that makes up the mainstay of treatment present the potential to cause significant disability in aviation personnel.