[Chronic benign familial pemphigus].

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Histopathology

Background:

• A 50-year-old female patient presented with a 10-year history of recurrent skin lesions in large folds, initially misdiagnosed as candidiasis.
• Previous ineffective treatments and lack of bacteriologic confirmation prompted further investigation.

Observation:

• The patient exhibited symmetrical, erythematous, infiltrative areas in axillae, groin, and inframammary folds.
• Lesions featured solitary bullae (0.5-1.0 cm) with clear contents, thin covers, and pigmented vegetations.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination revealed suprabasal vesicles, acantholysis in the epidermis, and minimal dermal lymphocytic infiltrate.
• These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of Gougerot-Hailey-Hailey disease (benign familial pemphigus).

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of accurate histopathological diagnosis in differentiating chronic skin conditions.
• Successful treatment with a combination of diphenhydramine, methyluracil, dimocifon, aloe extract, and aniline dyes demonstrates an effective therapeutic approach for Hailey-Hailey disease.