Bullous pemphigoid in an Aborigine.

OBJECTIVE

To present the first case of bullous pemphigoid in an Australian Aborigine.

CLINICAL FEATURES: A 47 year old female aborigine presented with a three week history of a generalised skin eruption consistent with bullous pemphigoid. Immunohistological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Therapy required high dose oral steroids, azathioprine and erythromycin as well as topical agents. Treatment was complicated by isolation and poor compliance but was ultimately successful in inducing and retaining remission.

CONCLUSION

This is the first description of bullous pemphigoid in an Australian Aborigine. We recommend early biopsy to confirm diagnosis and plan therapy, and careful attention to patient education to encourage compliance.