Surgical management of familial benign chronic pemphigus by excision and primary closure

A case describing primary closure after full-thickness excision of long-standing familial benign chronic pemphigus (Hailey-Hailey disease) in a 54-year-old man is presented. The involved axillary, inguinoscrotal, and perineal skin was excised and closed primarily without difficulty. Eradication of the disease in the excised areas was accomplished with minimal hospitalization and morbidity. Familial benign chronic pemphigus and its differential diagnosis are discussed and the literature on surgical management of this rare disease is reviewed.