Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Physically induced pemphigus after cosmetic procedures
R P Kaplan1, S P Detwiler, H W Saperstein
1Division of Dermatology, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine.
Background:
Pemphigus is a vesiculobullous autoimmune disease characterized by acantholysis due to antibodies against epidermal antigens.
Case Reports:
We report the first two cases of pemphigus in which lesions appeared in areas traumatized by cosmetic procedures. In one case, the patient had a history of pemphigus under excellent control; pemphigus lesions appeared only in her surgical scars 2 months after a reduction mammoplasty and facelift. The other patient presented with an outbreak of pemphigus 4 weeks after a chemical peel.
Conclusions:
Physical agents including infrared and ionizing radiation as well as ultraviolet light are known triggers of pemphigus. We suggest that cosmetic procedures can initiate pemphigus and that this change must be differentiated from postoperative wound infections and other reasons for poor wound healing.
Related Concept Videos
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Healing II: Complications

