Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 79-year-old Final Diagnosis: Epidermal bullosa acquisita (differential: anti-epiligrin variants of pemphigoid) Symptoms: Multiple blisters on hands and feet Medication: Dapsone Clinical Procedure: Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) • hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) punch biopsies Specialty: Dermatology OBJECTIVE: Rare disease BACKGROUND: Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a rare, subepithelial bullous disorder, which is distinguished from other auto-immune blistering diseases by the production of antibodies against type VII collagen. CASE REPORT: Here, we describe the case of a 79-year-old male resident of the Northern Mariana Islands who presented to the clinic with multiple blistering skin lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The primary focus of treatment is to prevent disease progression and serious complications of scarring (including blindness and respiratory obstruction) by avoiding physical trauma and suppressing the immune systems with agents, including corticosteroids, colchicine, dapsone, methotrexate, and cyclophosphamide. Successful treatment of the condition should involve a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals with regular monthly follow-ups during periods of active disease.