The Hailey-Hailey disease is also known as familial benign chronic pemphigus. It is a rare inherited skin condition, in which red, scaly areas or small blisters appear at sites of friction. The condition tends to get worse with sweating and friction and in hot weather.

The condition is inherited; there is a 1 in 2 [50:50] chance that each child of an affected parent will inherit the skin problem.

Hailey Hailey Disease is a nuisance rather than a serious problem, even though the affected skin is itchy and uncomfortable, and the patches come and go. The affected skin may be uncomfortable if the skin surfaces are continually rubbing e.g. in the groins when walking. Very rarely a severe flare-up in the groins, genital area or in the crease of the buttocks may make walking and work very uncomfortable.

The first signs of the condition usually appear between the ages of 15 and 40 years, but it may also begin outside this age range. The severity varies enormously and is unpredictable. Red, scaly areas or small blisters appear at areas of friction, especially at the sides of the neck or in the skin folds under the arms, at the tops of the legs [groins] or under the breasts. The skin looks entirely normal in between active episodes and does not scar. Many patients notice that their condition improves as they get older.

It is very common for the condition to be mistaken for eczema (or dermatitis), a sweat rash, ringworm or impetigo (a bacterial skin infection). The diagnosis of the Hailey-Hailey disease can be made by examining a sample of the skin (a biopsy) under the microscope.

The underlying genetic defect cannot be altered. However, treatment does help and long remissions are common.