Routine microscopy revealed a subepidermal vesicular dermatitis with collections of neutrophils. Direct immunofluorescence microscopy revealed linear deposition of IgA along the basement membrane zone.
Oxaprozin therapy was discontinued. A tapering 6-week course of prednisone was initiated, with rapid improvement in the patient's cutaneous findings. After the diagnosis of linear IgA dermatosis was established and the results of a laboratory test for erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase were normal, dapsone (100 mg/d) was added to the patient's regimen. After a disease-free interval of 30 days, the dapsone therapy was discontinued. The patient has avoided the use of all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and aspirin and has remained disease free.