Subepidermal blistering disorder in a 16-year-old female: Case report

ABSTRACT

@#Subepidermal blistering disorders (SBD) are diseases associated with antibodies that attack structural proteins of the skin. Blister formation with widespread distribution is common in these diseases. Diagnosis of SBD is established through the demonstration of immunoglobulin deposits in the dermoepidermal junction by direct immunofluorescence microscopy, and through the presence of circulating autoantibodies by serology. Systemic corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs are used to treat SBD. We present the case of a 16-year old female with a 6-week history of intensely pruritic, erythematous plaques with generalized blister formation on the face, trunk, upper extremities, and inner thighs. We diagnosed the patient as having a subepidermal blistering disorder. We placed her on a course of prednisone and azathioprine, which successfully treated her lesions.