Author: Dr Ian Coulson, Consultant Dermatologist and Editor-in-Chief (2025).
Edited by the DermNet content department.
This 40-year-old lady has an eruption affecting both axillae and the groin regions. Her sister is similarly affected. In the image, she is gently stretching the skin with her fingers.
Erythema is evident, and tiny fissures are demonstrated upon stretching the skin.
The physical signs and family history suggest a likely diagnosis of Hailey-Hailey disease, also known as benign familial pemphigus.
Skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis, which will show epidermal acantholysis.
