Bullous pemphigoid induced by cephalexin

Australas J Dermatol. 2001 May;42(2):132-5. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-0960.2001.00497.x.

Abstract

Two young men developed severe bullous eruptions with a distinctive clinical picture of severe flexural involvement and extensive mucosal ulceration. Biopsies showed subepidermal bullae and associated inflammation consisted of predominantly neutrophils. Both had IgG and C3 staining of the dermal-epidermal junction on direct immunofluorescence. Bullous pemphigoid was diagnosed on the basis of clinical, histopathological and immunofluorescence findings. Both cases occurred after recent ingestion of cephalexin. We believe they represent the first reported cases of bullous pemphigoid induced by cephalexin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Cephalexin / adverse effects*
  • Cephalexin / therapeutic use
  • Cephalosporins / adverse effects*
  • Cephalosporins / therapeutic use
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hand Injuries / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous / chemically induced*
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Cephalosporins
  • Cephalexin