Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-30-2023

Publication Title

Cureus

Keywords

allergic dermatoses, immuno-histochemical, nail diseases, pemphigus vulgaris, scalp condition.

ISSN

2168-8184

Volume

15

Issue/No.

4

First Page

e38334

Abstract

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes, causing blistering and erosions. Identifying and effectively managing atypical presentations of pemphigus vulgaris can be challenging due to its rarity. We describe a 32-year-old male patient with a medical history including prediabetes, moderate asthma, hyperlipidemia, coccidioidomycosis, and respiratory infections. He was evaluated via telehealth in the allergy and immunology clinic for uncontrolled asthma. Initially, he complained of a whitish film in the mouth while on treatment with fluticasone and salmeterol. He also noted new vesicular lesions on his scalp and body. When evaluated later in the clinic, he was found to have oral and periungual erosions as well as paronychia. After promptly referring to dermatology, histopathological examination and direct immunofluorescence testing were performed on the patient's lesions, revealing changes consistent with PV. Treatment with prednisone and rituximab resulted in the complete resolution of the patient's bullae and nail deformities over several months. This case highlights the importance of a thorough evaluation of complex medical histories and diagnostic testing in managing asthma and allergy symptoms. It also emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists such as immunologists, dermatologists, and infectious disease experts in the diagnosis and management of complex cases.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.7759/cureus.38334

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