IgA pemphigus is a recently-described rare autoimmune blistering disorder in which IgA antibodies bind to the cell surface of epidermal cells. The disease may be similar to pemphigus foliaceus with erosions and some blisters or it may be characterized by numerous small pustules.
Diagnosis is made by biopsying the skin.
The biopsy specimens show deposition of IgA antibodies on the cell surfaces of the epidermis or epithelium by using specialized immunofluorescence techniques performed in our Dermatoimmunology Laboratory. Our laboratory also uses immunofluorescence techniques to detect antibodies in the blood. This is the most benign form of pemphigus, and is usually easily controlled using dapsone, a drug that was initially used in the treatment of leprosy, but which has been found to be very helpful as an anti-inflammatory agent.