Bullous scabies simulating pemphigoid

Abstract

Background: Scabies is a contagious infestation affecting subjects of all ages, races, and social conditions.

Objective: We report a case of a 79-year-old man who developed a bullous pemphigoid-like eruption. He presented to our unit 4 months after the onset of symptoms. An autoimmune bullous disease was suspected. Direct immunofluorescence on a skin specimen and anti-desmoglein 1, anti-desmoglein 3, and anti-bullous pemphigoid antigen 180 were negative. Surprisingly, the histology of a skin lesion demonstrated the presence of scabies, which was successfully treated with benzyl benzoate 20%.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of bullous scabies should be considered for any bullous eruptions accompanied by papules and itching resistant to steroid treatment and with negative immunopathologic findings.