Pemphigus foliaceus on a 19 year old Hispanic woman's back. Pemphigus is a general term for a group of blistering autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the skin and mucous membranes. Pemphigus foliaceus is a more benign form of the disease, and does not involve the mucous membranes. Treatment for pemphigus conditions usually involves the use of high doses of steroids, with antibiotics to prevent infection of the blisters.