Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis Related to Lithium Carbonate

To the Editor.—  The association of lithium and psoriasis, acne and acneiform eruptions, and folliculitis is relatively well known. There have been other rare and isolated reports of the association of lithium with alopecia, exfoliative dermatitis, maculopapular rash, ulcer, stomatitis, ichthyosis, xerosis, eczema, and pruritus, and a single case of dermatitis herpetiformis.¹ The last case was reported by Posey in 1972²; in his short report he described an adult woman who had been taking lithium carbonate for a manicdepressive illness and in whom an intensely pruritic papular dermatitis developed that appeared on the elbows and resembled dermatitis herpetiformis clinically. This diagnosis was not histologically confirmed. Sulfoxone sodium therapy was started with cessation of symptoms, but lithium therapy could not be reinstituted without new lesion formation.

Report of a Case.—  A 26-year-old man presented with a six-month history of blisters involving his arms and hands, left lower leg and