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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
12:23
Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
[Pemphigus vulgaris beginning as the Koebner phenomenon]
Lidia Pérez-Pérez1, Oscar Suárez, Dolores Sánchez-Aguilar
1Departamento de Dermatología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario, Facultad de Medicina, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. mejaime@usc.es
Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas
|February 16, 2006
Summary
Pemphigus vulgaris, an autoimmune skin disease, rarely appears over surgical scars. This case suggests scar reactivation may trigger widespread blistering in pemphigus vulgaris patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease.
- The Koebner phenomenon describes skin lesions appearing after trauma.
- An association between pemphigus vulgaris and Koebner phenomenon is uncommon.
Observation:
- A rare case of pemphigus vulgaris presenting over surgical scars is described.
- The autoimmune blistering disease manifested specifically within pre-existing surgical scar tissue.
Findings:
- Surgical scars can potentially trigger or exacerbate pemphigus vulgaris.
- Reactivation of pemphigus antigens within scars may induce a systemic autoimmune response.
- This localized scar reactivation led to generalized bullae formation on the trunk.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare but significant presentation of pemphigus vulgaris.
- Suggests surgical scars as a potential trigger site for pemphigus vulgaris flares.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering scar tissue in the pathogenesis of autoimmune skin disorders.
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