Pemphigus foliaceus complicated by Kaposi varicelliform eruption and bilateral herpes simplex keratitis

Abstract

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a chronic autoimmune blistering dermatosis (ABD) that often involves the face, scalp and trunk. Kaposi's varicelliform eruption (KVE) is a viral vesicular dermatosis that rarely complicates ABD. In addition, KVE infrequently causes ocular involvement including herpes simplex keratitis (HSK). Timely diagnosis of KVE may be difficult in patients with PF due to their overlapping clinical features. In this report, we described a 79-year-old female with PF complicated by KVE and bilateral HSK. This report reminds physicians that KVE should be considered in patients with refractory PF and other ABD.

Keywords

• Autoimmune blistering dermatosis
• Herpes simplex keratitis
• Kaposi's varicelliform eruption
• Pemphigus foliaceus