[Localized bullous pemphigoid induced by thermal burn].

BACKGROUND: Induced bullous pemphigoid is known to be triggered by drugs and some physical agents. Six cases of bullous pemphigoid induced by thermal burns have been reported since 1991. CASE REPORT: We observed a bullous eruption around thermal burns of the left leg in a 89 year-old woman. Bullous pemphigoid was diagnosed by histological and immunohistochemical findings with a sub-epidermal blister and linear IgG and C3 deposition at the dermal-epidermal junction. Indirect immunofluorescence was negative. The eruption rapidly resolved with topical steroids. DISCUSSION: We describe a bullous pemphigoid induced by a thermal burn. This case is original because the eruption was localized only around the site of the burn and healed with topical steroids. In the literature, there are 6 other cases reported but only one localized. We discuss the hypothesis of asymptomatic bullous pemphigoid exacerbated by presentation of bullous pemphigoid antigen by thermal burns or self immunization against antigens altered by burns.