[A historical view of dermatomycology].

This historical review is focussed on clinical aspects of dermatomycology on one hand and on the discovery of fungi as pathogenic agents in dermatologic diseases on the other hand. This latter period in the 19th century established the beginning of dermatomycology. The basic role of fungus-host-interrelationship is mentioned with reference to earliest microscopical investigations of this issue on plants by Marcello Malphighi in the late 17th century.

Three different autoimmune bullous diseases in one family: is there a common genetic base?

We report an unusual familial occurrence of autoimmune bullous diseases. Three members of a family suffered from three different autoimmune bullous diseases: pemphigus vulgaris (PV), linear IgA disease (LAD) and cicatricial pemphigoid (CP). The HLA type was determined in five family members: all were positive for HLA-DQ5/DR6, which is reported to be associated with susceptibility to PV.

Desquamative gingivitis and balanitis--linear IgA disease or cicatricial pemphigoid?

A 38-year-old man presented with gingival inflammation together with erosions of the penis. Direct immunofluorescence demonstrated linear deposits of IgA at the basement membrane zone; indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were negative. Linear IgA disease (LAD) was therefore suspected and treatment with dapsone initiated but this was changed to sulfamethoxy-pyridazine and systemic corticosteroids because of methaemoglobinaemia.