Low-dose naltrexone: a novel treatment for Hailey-Hailey disease

Br J Dermatol. 2018 May;178(5):1196-1198. doi: 10.1111/bjd.16045. Epub 2018 Feb 23.

Abstract

Hailey-Hailey disease (chronic benign familial pemphigus) is a rare inherited dermatosis typically characterized by erosions at intertriginous sites preceded by minor trauma or stress. We report a case of treatment-resistant Hailey-Hailey disease having failed topical and oral steroids, prophylactic aciclovir and doxycycline, and systemic therapies including dapsone, acitretin and ciclosporin. Low-dose naltrexone 4·5 mg once daily was commenced following an incidental benefit in this patient's similarly affected sister. The clinical and psychological response to date has been considerable.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Groin
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Naltrexone / administration & dosage*
  • Pemphigus, Benign Familial / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Naltrexone