Pemphigus foliaceus

Abstract

A 55-year-old woman presented after a four-year history of impetiginized eczema that was distributed over her face, scalp, chest, and back and a recent diagnosis of breast cancer. A skin biopsy specimen for direct immunofluorescence demonstrated intercellular IgG4. Anti-desmoglein 1 and 3 antibodies were present. Indirect immunofluorescence testing was positive on monkey but not rat esophagus. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus in association with a malignant condition. After many years of the use of topical glucocorticoids and oral antibiotics, the patient's disease was ultimately managed with methotrexate and a small dose of prednisone. Increasing data supports a role for a steroid-sparing effect of methotrexate in pemphigus vulgaris and likely pemphigus foliaceus.