Bullous eosinophilic cellulitis succession with eosinophilic pustular folliculitis without eosinophilia

Eosinophilic cellulitis is characterized clinically by an acute dermatitis resembling cellulitis with unknown etiology. Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis is also a rare inflammatory dermatosis characterized by recurrent crops of erythematous follicular papulopustules that coalesce to form annular plaques with unclear etiopathogenesis. We describe a 20-year-old white male who had vesiculobullous and plaque-like lesions on the hands and feet and was diagnosed with bullous eosinophilic cellulitis clinically and histologically without any etiological agents. Following therapy with oral corticosteroid and oral tetracycline capsules, the lesions disappeared. After a 2-month asymptomatic period, the patient developed pruritic follicular papules and pustules on the lower and upper extremities and upper back. Stool examination revealed Gierdia intestinalis eggs. The patient had complete clearance with treatment of ornidazol for 2 weeks and indomethacin for 2 months. This is the first report of bullous eosinophilic cellulitis coexisting with eosinophilic pustular folliculitis without eosinophilia in the English published work.     

Zygomycotic cellulitis in a renal transplant recipient

Zygomycosis is a rare complication in immunosuppressed patients and is caused predominantly by-species of Rhizomucor, Absidia and Rhizopus. Lungs and central nervous system localization are the most commonly observed, while skin localization has been observed only in 15% of the patients. We describe a case of zygomycotic cellulitis, with severe edema, inflammatory lesions and a nonimmune bullous eruption, in a renal transplant recipient.     

Eosinophilic dermatoses

Eosinophilic dermatoses are a heterogeneous group of diseases, characterized by an eosinophil‐rich infiltrate and/or degranulation of eosinophils. Blood eosinophilia may be an associated feature. Typical, albeit not specific histological findings include ‘flame figures’, which are caused by the accumulation of cationic proteins released by eosinophils and subsequent collagen denaturation. “Classic” eosinophilic dermatoses include eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells syndrome), granuloma faciale, eosinophilic fasciitis (Shulman syndrome) and eosinophilic folliculitis (Ofuji disease). In addition, there is a multitude of skin diseases that present with varying degrees of eosinophilic infiltration. These include atopic dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, urticaria, allergic contact dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, arthropod bite reaction, parasitic infections, and drug hypersensitivity. Even though these disorders share a common characteristic (tissue eosinophilia), they differ greatly in their clinical presentation.     

Inflammatory skin diseases and hypereosinophilia

Among the dermatoses associated with tissue eosinophilia are pemphigus vegetans, bullous pemphigoid, granuloma facial and Wells' syndrome. Eosinophilic spongiosis can occur in the early stage of pemphigus. Pemphigus herpetiformis, a recently introduced term, does not represent a well defined entity but develops into either pemphigus vulgaris or pemphigus foliaceus. Granuloma facial is basically vasculitis. Eosinophilic cellulitis or Wells' syndrome shows numerous eosinophils which degranulate and through confluence of their granules form the so-called flame figures.     

Wells syndrome associated with Churg–Strauss syndrome

Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a systemic vasculitis occurring in patients with a history of asthma. Wells’ syndrome (WS) is a rare inflammatory dermatosis that clinically resembles cellulitis, and is histologically characterized by eosinophilic infiltration and flame figures. We report a case of WS associated with CSS. There have been three previous reports of WS associated with CSS; ours is the fourth. All cases had bullous lesions, and three cases were positive for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies.     

Cellulitis‐Like Rash Associated with Kawasaki Disease

We present the case of a 5‐year‐old‐boy who developed a fever and cellulitis‐like groin rash 5 days before developing conjunctivitis and 6 to 7 days before other typical signs of Kawasaki disease (KD) appeared. The cellulitis failed to respond to antibiotics and no pathogens were isolated. His fever and clinical signs resolved with intravenous immunoglobulin and high‐dose aspirin after discontinuation of antibiotics. Nonbacterial cellulitis is a rare presenting sign of KD, but in the appropriate clinical setting and population, a diagnosis of KD should be considered when cellulitis and fever fail to respond to an appropriate antibiotic regimen and no pathogen can be isolated.     

Extragenital Bullous Lichen Sclerosus in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

A 14‐year‐old girl presented with a 1‐year history of a pruritic, bullous lesion on her posterior neck. A biopsy revealed bullous lichen sclerosus. Although unusual, this bullous variant of lichen sclerosus is well recognized in the adult literature, but extragenital bullous and hemorrhagic lesions are rare in children. A review of this case and the literature describes the clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment options for this extragenital bullous variant in an effort to raise awareness of this rare clinical presentation.     

Practical Aspects of Bacterial Skin Infections in Children

Abstract: Bacterial skin infections are a common reason for children to be examined by a pediatrician. Streptococci and staphylococci are responsible for the great majority of the infections. Because of the variety of lesions produced by these bacteria, there is support for dividing impetigo into "traditional" crusted and bullous forms. Two important forms of ccllulitis—facial and periorhital—have potential for serious systemic consequences. the bacterial etiology and treatment of cellulitis, animal bites, and puncture wounds of the foot require special attention for successful outcome.     

Non‐paraneoplastic autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease associated with fatal bronchiolitis obliterans

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a small‐airway obstructive lung disease for which immunologically mediated pathogenesis is supposed. Frequent association of bronchiolitis obliterans with paraneoplastic pemphigus is well known, but its association with other autoimmune bullous diseases has not been reported except for a case of anti‐laminin‐332‐type mucous membrane pemphigoid in a patient with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease. We report a case of non‐paraneoplastic autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease associated with fatal bronchiolitis obliterans in a patient without transplantation. Although the patient's serum contained immunoglobulin (Ig)A antibodies to the 180‐kDa bullous pemphigoid antigen/type XVII collagen and IgG antibodies to laminin‐332, diagnosis of either linear IgA bullous dermatosis or mucous membrane pemphigoid could not be made because of the failure to detect linear IgA deposition at the basement membrane zone by direct immunofluorescence and the lack of mucous membrane lesions. Physicians should be aware that autoimmune bullous diseases other than paraneoplastic pemphigus can also associate with this rare but potentially fatal lung disease.     

Localized vulvar bullous pemphigoid of childhood: A rare cause of persistent vulvar erosions in children

Localized vulvar bullous pemphigoid of childhood is an excessively rare variant of bullous pemphigoid and affects almost exclusively young girls of 7‐12 years of age. In contrast to adult‐onset bullous pemphigoid, a prompt response to potent topical corticosteroids is observed in the majority of cases, with a favorable prognosis and rare relapses. We report the case of a 7‐year‐old girl who presented with this condition. Our case reinforces the recognition of this rare subtype of childhood bullous pemphigoid as a distinct entity and enlightens the importance of performing a cutaneous biopsy when clinically indicated.     

Eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells' syndrome) associated with colon carcinoma

Eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells' syndrome) is an inflammatory dermatosis characterized by marked eosinophilic infiltrates. Drugs and various infections are recognized causes of eosinophilic cellulitis. Eosinophilic cellulitis has been reported in non‐hematological malignancies in two patients with squamous cell carcinoma and one with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We report the association of eosinophilic cellulitis with adenocarcinoma of the colon. Curative hemicolectomy led to a complete remission, suggesting that underlying malignancies can trigger eosinophilic cellulitis.     

Sex differences in the incidence of skin and skin‐related diseases in Olmsted County,Minnesota, United States,and a comparison with other rates published worldwide

Many skin and skin‐related diseases affect the sexes unequally, with attendant implications for public health and resource allocation. To evaluate better the incidence of skin and skin‐related diseases affecting males vs. females, we reviewed published population‐based epidemiology studies of skin disorders performed utilizing Rochester Epidemiology Project data. Females had a higher incidence of the following diseases: connective tissue diseases (scleroderma, morphea, dermatomyositis, primary Sjögren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus [not in all studies]), pityriasis rosea, herpes progenitalis, condyloma acuminatum, hidradenitis suppurativa, herpes zoster (except in children), erythromelalgia, venous stasis syndrome, and venous ulcers. Males had a higher incidence of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, basal cell carcinoma (exception, females aged ≤40 years), squamous cell carcinoma, and lentigo maligna. Incidence rates were equal in males and females for cutaneous malignant melanoma (exception, higher in females aged 18–39 years), lower‐extremity cellulitis, cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacterial infection, Behçet disease, delusional infestation, alopecia areata, and bullous pemphigoid. Many of the population‐based sex‐specific incidence rates of skin and skin‐related diseases derived from the Rochester Epidemiology Project are strikingly different from those estimated elsewhere. In general, females are more commonly affected by skin and skin‐related diseases. The reasons for this imbalance remain to be determined and are likely multifactorial.     

Case of subepidermal autoimmune bullous disease with psoriasis vulgaris reacting to both BP180 C‐terminal domain and laminin gamma‐1

A number of cases of psoriasis vulgaris developing bullous skin lesions have been diagnosed as either bullous pemphigoid with antibodies to the 180‐kDa bullous pemphigoid antigen (BP180) non‐collagenous 16a (NC16a) domain or anti‐laminin‐γ1 (p200) pemphigoid. We report a case of subepidermal bullous disease with psoriasis vulgaris, showing antibodies to both BP180 C‐terminal domain and laminin‐γ1. A 64‐year‐old Japanese man with psoriasis vulgaris developed exudative erythemas and tense bullae on the whole body but he did not have mucosal involvement. The blistering lesion showed subepidermal blisters histopathologically. In indirect immunofluorescence of 1 mol/L NaCl‐split skin, immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies reacted with both the epidermal and dermal side. Immunoblotting showed positive IgG with recombinant protein of BP180 C‐terminal domain and 200‐kDa laminin‐γ1 in normal human dermal extract.     

Effectiveness of gentian violet and similar products commonly used to treat pyodermas

The term pyoderma encompasses a variety of distinct entities including impetigo (bullous and nonbullous), erysipelas, cellulitis, folliculitis, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Treatment of pyodermas centers around wound care and appropriate antibiotic selection. Triphenylmethane dyes, such as gentian violet, represent a unique group of compounds that act as antiseptics and have shown clinical efficacy as antibiotics in a variety of pyodermas, including those secondary to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Given their low cost, ease of application, and favorable side effect profile, triphenylmethanes must be considered legitimate treatment options for pyodermas, particularly in the face of continued and emerging bacterial resistance.     

Diffuse cutaneous bullous mastocytosis with IgM deposits at dermo–epidermal junction

Cutaneous mastocytosis is a disease characterized by the infiltration and proliferation of mast cells in the skin. In children, the most common form of presentation is urticaria pigmentosa, while the diffuse cutaneous bullous mastocytosis is one of the rarest subtypes seen. The aim of this paper is to present a case of diffuse bullous mastocytosis with detection of IgM deposits at dermo–epidermal junction using direct immunofluorescence (DIF) microscopy. The diagnosis of diffuse bullous mastocytosis is a challenge, and DIF microscopy is necessary in order to exclude an autoimmune bullous disorder. However, IgM deposits at dermo–epidermal junction can be nonspecific, being found in a variety of skin disorders. A 6‐month‐old girl presented with bullous lesions and erosions on the scalp and the trunk. During hospitalization, further bullous lesions appeared, along with generalized erythrodermia. Skin biopsy revealed aspects of urticaria pigmentosa. Taking into account the clinical findings, the case was enclosed as bullous mastocytosis. Treatment included the avoidance of trigger factors, and administration of antihistamines along with a short‐term course of systemic steroids. The evolution was favorable, with remission of the existing lesions and without occurrence of new ones.     

Case of bullous pemphigoid coexisting with anti‐desmoglein autoantibodies

A 79‐year‐old Japanese woman had clinical and histopathological features of bullous pemphigoid, while direct immunofluorescence test revealed C3 and immunoglobulin G depositions in the lower cell surfaces of the epidermis in addition to those in the dermoepidermal junction. Chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassays were positive for desmoglein‐1 and ‐3 antibodies in addition to anti‐BP180 antibodies. In an immunoblotting study, antibodies against both 180‐kDa bullous pemphigoid antigen and 130‐kDa pemphigus vulgaris antigen were detected. Based on these results, bullous pemphigoid coexisting with anti‐desmoglein autoantibodies was diagnosed in this case.     

Concurrent Hidradenitis Suppurativa,Inflammatory Acne,Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp,and Pyoderma Gangrenosum in a 16‐Year‐Old Boy

We report the case of a 16‐year‐old boy who presented to our clinic with concomitant hidradenitis suppurativa, inflammatory acne, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, and pyoderma gangrenosum. Recent reports describe the co‐occurrence of pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa. This case further expands the spectrum of concomitant pyoderma gangrenosum and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.     

Pemphigus vulgaris‐associated interstitial lung disease

Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs)‐associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) is extremely rare. Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an intraepidermal autoimmune blistering disease caused by circulating autoantibodies against desmoglein. To date, PV‐associated ILD has rarely been reported in English literature. We report a rare association of PV and ILD. A 53‐year‐old Chinese female with PV for 8 months developed ILD after a relapse of PV for 2 months due to discontinuation of oral prednisone by herself. She was successfully treated by systemic methylprednisolone. Taken previously reported bullous pemphigoid‐associated ILD and linear IgA/IgG bullous dermatosis‐associated ILD together, in general, AIBDs‐associated ILD occurs when AIBDs relapse or are not controlled, responds well to systemic corticosteroids, and has a relatively better prognosis when compared with rheumatoid arthritis‐ or dermatomyositis‐associated ILD.     

Bullous pemphigoid in adolescence,a rare demographic

Bullous pemphigoid is rarely seen in adolescence, and its presentation, clinical course, and treatment can differ to that found in other age groups. We present a case of bullous pemphigoid in a 16‐year‐old with features of koebnerisation and oral mucosal involvement and provide a brief review of paediatric bullous pemphigoid.     

Haemorrhagic cellulitis: three cases

BACKGROUND: Haemorrhagic erysipelas (cellulitis) is a recently described clinical condition. We report 3 new cases of this rare bacterial dermatosis requiring both antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids for complete resolution. CASE REPORTS: Case 1 was a 75 year-old male patient, with a past history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Case 2 was a 69 year-old female patient with a past history of hepatic cirrhosis. Case 3 was a 56 year-old female patient without medical past history, except for obesity. All patients presented with a haemorrhagic and bullous erysipelas of the leg without clinical improvement under parenteral antibiotics. In all cases, adjuvant systemic corticosteroids (prednisone: 0.5 mg/kg/d) for 5-8 days in addition to antibiotics provided dramatic and complete resolution of skin lesions and disappearance of pain and fever. DISCUSSION: Haemorrhagic cellulitis may be misdiagnosed as necrotizing fasciitis because of ecchymotic areas with frequent bullae resulting in haemorrhagic crusts and partial inefficacy of antibiotics given alone. Adjuvant anticoagulant therapy or coagulation abnormalities may have facilitated the clinical condition in 2 of our 3 cases. The efficacy of adjuvant systemic corticosteroids during 5-8 days, in addition to antibiotics is the hallmark of this syndrome.