Use of biosynthetic dressings in paraneoplastic pemphigus

A 77-year-old woman with paraneoplastic pemphigus and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was treated with supportive therapy and oral prednisone. Biobrane, a biosynthetic dressing, was later applied to the extensive areas of erosion to assist in pain management and to provide a temporary barrier function. She reported an improvement in the pain associated with the areas of erosion. The use of biosynthetic dressings in blistering disorders has not been previously reported. Standard dressings such as silver sulfadiazine are messy and can cause discomfort with frequent changing. We feel that this is an area that warrants further evaluation as it may contribute to the overall treatment and comfort cares of these patients.