Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune bullous dermatosis presenting with flaccid blisters and erosions. The morphology of pemphigus reflects the more superficial intraepidermal level of split seen histologically in contrast with pemphigoid, where the level of split is deep below the epidermis. This is a case of a 58-year-old male clinically presenting with arcuate tense bullae, which are more characteristic of the pemphigoid group of disorders, which revealed an intraepidermal split and tombstoning pattern of the basal epidermis on histopathology. Direct immunofluorescence revealed intercellular IgG and C3 distribution. Although this patient presented clinically with tense bullae, the histopathology and direct immunofluorescence results were consistent with pemphigus vulgaris.
Pemphigus ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct

BACKGROUND

Seborrheic keratosis is a common benign skin tumor treated with invasive methods like electrodessication, cryotherapy, or surgery. Topical therapy with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) may be a cheaper, non-invasive alternative with less complications. While TCA has been studied for other skin conditions, more research is needed on its use for seborrheic keratosis.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety and efficacy of one time application of 80% TCA peel to 65% TCA peel in the clearance of raised seborrheic keratosis in Filipino patients.

METHODOLOGY

One hundred one patients were randomized to either 80% or 65% TCA groups. Each participant underwent one session of treatment and was followed up after a month. Pre- and post-test size and thickness of lesions were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Based on Physician’s Lesion Assessment (PLA), both concentrations of TCA achieved high treatment success (TCA80: 66.7%, TCA65: 68%, p-value 0.89). A similar trend was observed based on Subject’s Self-Assessment (TCA80: 74%, TCA65: 74.5%, p-value 0.95). Similar reductions in lesion size and thickness were observed in both concentrations. In terms of safety, pain, pruritus, and erythema were mostly observed during and immediately after treatment, with little to no adverse events observed after 1 month in both groups.

CONCLUSION

One time application of either 80% or 65% TCA is effective in decreasing the size and thickness of seborrheic keratosis with little to no complications 1 month post- treatment. Both concentrations were safe, causing minimal and non-persistent pain, pruritus, and erythema immediately after application.

Human ; Keratosis, Seborrheic ; Trichloroacetic Acid