Diagnosing linear immunoglobulin - A dermatosis of childhood in a resource-constrained area: Case report and review of literature

Abstract

Linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) dermatosis (LAD) of childhood is a self-limiting blistering eruption. At histology, the blisters are subepidermal and may be reported as resembling dermatitis herpetiformis or bullous pemphigoid. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) of normal or perilesional skin shows a linear band of IgA at the basement membrane. Many of the patients also have a circulating IgA antibody against the basement membrane. Diagnosis of this condition in a resource constrainedcenter, where immunofluorescence is unavailable, may pose diagnostic challenges, and may therefore require high index of suspicion. We describe a case of LAD of childhood in a 7-year-old boy in this report.