Linear IgA disease (LAD)

 

Overview

Also known as linear IgA bullous dermatosis or chronic bullous disease of childhood, LAD causes blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. Typically, the skin blisters form in a line, and a corresponding line of IgA antibodies is found below the epidermis during skin biopsies.

Common Symptoms

Blistery rashes along the anogenital area and lower abdomen in children before puberty, and along the trunk and extensor surface of the limbs in adults, itching, blisters and ulcers on lips and inside of mouths, eye irritation and dryness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, corneal scarring, and potentially blindness.

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease, lymphoma, hematological conditions, rheumatological diseases, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

Children of preschool age and children in developing countries are more frequently afflicted. In some cases, the condition’s onset is associated with exposure to a drug such as diclofenac, captopril, amiodarone, or to toxic substances such as sodium hypochlorite (household bleach).

Sources

  1. Article Sources
    1. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (n.d.). Linear IGA Bullous Dermatosis. https://www.aocd.org/page/LinearIgABullousD

    2. Genovese, G., Venegoni, L., Fanoni, D. et al. Linear IgA bullous dermatosis in adults and children: a clinical and immunopathological study of 38 patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 14, 115 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-019-1089-2

    3. Oakley, A. (2015, February). Linear IgA bullous disease. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/linear-iga-bullous-disease/#:~:text=Linear%20IgA%20bullous%20disease%20is,found%20just%20below%20the%20epidermis