Bullous pemphigoid successfully controlled by tetracycline and nicotinamide

In 1986, Berk and Lorincz reported the efficacy of tetracycline and nicotinamide in the treatment of bullous pemphigoid (BP). In the present study of seven patients with BP, we found that a regimen of 2 g tetracycline combined with 2 g nicotinamide daily was effective in clearing the skin lesions. Total remission was achieved within 6-8 weeks, after-which the dose was gradually tapered. The mean duration of therapy was 7 months. No effect on the titre of antibasement membrane antibodies was observed. The mode of action of this therapy is unknown.