Lupus Erythematosus- Bullous Pemphigoid Overlap-Tale of a Rare Co-existence

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease, typically encountered as an isolated condition or, less frequently, in association with other autoimmune blistering diseases. Herein, we report a rare case of overlap between lupus erythematosus and bullous pemphigoid. Very few cases of this co-existence have been documented worldwide. Case Presentation: A young woman presented with intense itching, photosensitivity, and vesiculobullous lesions on the skin and oral mucous membranes, with histological features indicative of bullous pemphigoid (BP) and a positive serological test for lupus erythematosus (LE). There was marked improvement with the administration of dapsone and antimalarials. Conclusions: Vesiculobullous lesions in LE are a rare cutaneous manifestation of cutaneous and/or systemic LE, presenting with variable and atypical features that can lead to diagnostic difficulty and delay. The diagnosis and management of LE-associated vesiculobullous diseases remain challenging due to the similarities in clinical and immunohistopathological features.