BACKGROUND: Genital lesion sof benign chronic pemphigus (FBCP)(Hailey-Hailey disease) may present as verrucous papules. Genital warts and papular acantholytic dyskeratosis of the genitalia may be considered in the differential diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe the clinical characteristics and histologic features of verrucous anogenital FBCP. METHODS: Six patients, five women and one man, with verrucous anogenital lesions of FBCP, initially diagnosed as warts, were examined and biopsy specimens were evaluated histologically. RESULTS: The lesions were located exclusively in the perineal and perianal regions with axillary involvement in one case. Family history was negative in three of the six cases. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of FBCP but was significant for the absence of crusts and the presence of only minimal inflammation. CONCLUSION: Our cases and the literature are reviewed with the conclusion that all verrucoid genital lesions with the histologic characteristics of Hailey-Hailey disease may represent FBCP.
BACKGROUND: Genital lesion sof benign chronic pemphigus (FBCP)(Hailey-Hailey disease) may present as verrucous papules. Genital warts and papular acantholytic dyskeratosis of the genitalia may be considered in the differential diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe the clinical characteristics and histologic features of verrucous anogenital FBCP. METHODS: Six patients, five women and one man, with verrucous anogenital lesions of FBCP, initially diagnosed as warts, were examined and biopsy specimens were evaluated histologically. RESULTS: The lesions were located exclusively in the perineal and perianal regions with axillary involvement in one case. Family history was negative in three of the six cases. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of FBCP but was significant for the absence of crusts and the presence of only minimal inflammation. CONCLUSION: Our cases and the literature are reviewed with the conclusion that all verrucoid genital lesions with the histologic characteristics of Hailey-Hailey disease may represent FBCP.