Abstract

Autoimmune bullous diseases are characterized by the presence of autoantibodies directed against specific adhesion molecules of the epidermis or components of the basement membrane zone of the skin. Immunofluorescence testing which can detect these IgG or IgA class autoantibodies is invaluable in confirming a diagnosis suspected on the basis of clinical or histologic examination. Standard therapy is based on a combined administration of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs; in IgA-mediated autoimmune bullous diseases dapsone is the drug of choice.