Pemphigus Foliaceus Presenting As Eruptive Seborrheic Keratosis and Responding to Oral Gold Treatment

Pemphigus Foliaceus (PF) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease. IgG directed against desmoglein-1 induces acantholysis in the superficial epidermis, leading to the classic presentation of crusted erosions in a seborrheic distribution. We report a case of a 51-year-old African-American man with an 8-year history of PF, who developed multiple hyperpigmented, ‘stuck-on’ appearing verrucous papules and plaques on the back, chest, and neck. Skin biopsy and direct immunofluorescence from the seborrheic keratosis-like lesions was consistent with pemphigus foliaceus. The patient was treated by adding oral gold (auranofin) to his regimen of prednisone and discontinuing hydroxychloroquine. After six months of follow-up his erosions healed. This is the first report of treating pemphigus foliaceus with oral gold.