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Updated: May 29, 2025

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Severe bullous pemphigoid with excoriation disorder
Kaitlin McGowan1, Stephen Poos2, Nguyen Vo3
1Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey, USA mcgowa47@rowan.edu.
Abstract:
Bullous pemphigoid is the most common autoimmune blistering skin disease. Pathogenesis involves autoantibodies that attack the basement membrane, resulting in blisters and intense pruritus. We present a case of bullous pemphigoid with concurrent excoriation disorder in a woman in her 50s. The suspected diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid was confirmed through direct immunofluorescence testing on a specimen obtained via punch biopsy, then treated with vancomycin and steroids. In addition, cross tapering from duloxetine to fluoxetine was used to treat the patient's excoriation disorder. The concurrent dermatological and psychiatric components, as well as the severity, made this case unique.
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