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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Bullous scabies simulating pemphigoid
T Roxana Stan1, Stefano Piaserico, Matteo Bordignon
1Dermatology and Pathology Units, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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.
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