Childhood pemphigus foliaceus presenting as a polycyclic eruption: Case report and review of the literature

Pediatr Dermatol. 2019 Mar;36(2):236-241. doi: 10.1111/pde.13750. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Abstract

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune bullous disorder that has occasionally been reported to present as a polycyclic or arcuate eruption in children. We present a case of childhood PF presenting as an annular and polycyclic eruption, which initially led to a diagnostic conundrum and a delay in diagnosis but which ultimately responded well to therapy with systemic steroids and rituximab infusions. We briefly review the literature on polycyclic presentations of PF in childhood as well as the use of rituximab for pediatric pemphigus.

Keywords: arcuate; circinate; pemphigus foliaceus; polycyclic; rituximab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Exanthema / etiology
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Pemphigus / diagnosis*
  • Pemphigus / drug therapy
  • Rituximab / adverse effects
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use*
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab