Malar blistering: A diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disorder affecting elderly people. It presents as tense blisters on urticarial base and is associated with intense pruritus. It commonly involves lower abdomen, inner or anterior thighs, and flexor forearms. Localized BP limited to certain parts of the body has also been described in literature. Both classical and localized BP is diagnosed based on histopathology and immunofluorescence. Corticosteroids remain the main stay of treatment. Here, we describe a case of BP presenting as malar blistering closely mimicking bullous systemic lupus erythematosus.

Keywords

• bullous pemphigoid
• localized
• vesicular variant