Q: Can Pemphigus vulgaris be treated completely? Please can you tell me about it in detail as my cousin is suffering from this illness. I am very worried about him as he is the only son of his dead parents.

A:Pemphigus vulgaris was a deadly blistering disease of skin before the availability of corticosteroids. Now the disease can be managed and even cured with dexamethasone - cyclophosphamide pulse therapy advocated by Dr. Pasricha (retired) of AIIMS, New Delh. Patient needs to take prolonged treatment for months to years.