A rare case of childhood mucous membrane pemphigoid involving both skin and mucosa

Mucous membrane pemphigoid has been documented previously in only 19 patients under the age of 20 years. We report a 14-year-old female who had erosions of the oral, ocular, anal and genital mucosa, congestion, hoarseness of voice, dysphagia, and recurrent cough. Symblepharon formation in both eyes necessitated surgical correction. Biopsy of tissue from a solitary cutaneous lesion demonstrated a subepidermal bulla. Direct immunofluorescence showed the deposition of IgG in linear pattern along the dermoepidermal junction. Therapy was begun, consisting of prednisolone at 1 mg/kg/day, in combination with dapsone at 2 mg/kg/day. Azathioprine was added later for control of the disease. The patient showed good clinical response.