The baboon syndrome or intertriginous drug eruption: a report of eleven cases and a second look at its pathomechanism.
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Although drug eruptions can mimic a variety of idiopathic skin diseases, this has not been mentioned in the differential diagnosis of intertrigo. We draw attention to an unusual presentation of a drug eruption with a characteristic distribution pattern that is confined to the intertriginous areas. This condition has been given one of the most memorable names in dermatology, the baboon syndrome. Originally, the baboon syndrome was described as a special form of systemic contact-type dermatitis (SCTD) that occurs after ingestion or systemic absorption of a contact allergen in individuals previously sensitized by topical exposure to the same allergen in the same areas. We present eleven cases of intertriginous eruptions that resulted from adverse drug reactions. A flare-up of a previous contact with the same allergen (i.e., drug) on the same areas is not a reasonable explanation for the unusual localization of the eruption in our and others' cases. We believe that we are dealing with a type of recall phenomenon and that the characteristic localization and appearance of the eruption is determined by an earlier, unrelated dermatitis that had occurred in precisely the same areas. Adverse drug reactions should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of intertrigo, especially in atypical and therapy-resistant cases. (+info)
STRIAE AND THEIR RELATION TO TOPICAL STEROID THERAPY.
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Atrophic striae have been reported to occur normally in 35% of adolescents and abnormally in a variety of medical conditions. Recently, the occurrence of striae has been observed in adults after the use of potent topical steroids with occlusion. Pre-existing striae have been found to enlarge after topical steroid therapy, even without occlusion. The mechanism of striae formation appears to be due to the action of the steroids on the dermal connective tissue and/or dermal matrix rather than to mechanical tension. (+info)
Intertrigo and common secondary skin infections.
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Intertrigo is inflammation of skinfolds caused by skin-on-skin friction. It is a common skin condition affecting opposing cutaneous or mucocutaneous surfaces. Intertrigo may present as diaper rash in children. The condition appears in natural and obesity-created body folds. The friction in these folds can lead to a variety of complications such as secondary bacterial or fungal infections. The usual approach to managing intertrigo is to minimize moisture and friction with absorptive powders such as cornstarch or with barrier creams. Patients should wear light, nonconstricting, and absorbent clothing and avoid wool and synthetic fibers. Physicians should educate patients about precautions with regard to heat, humidity, and outside activities. Physical exercise usually is desirable, but patients should shower afterward and dry intertriginous areas thoroughly. Wearing open-toed shoes can be beneficial for toe web intertrigo. Secondary bacterial and fungal infections should be treated with antiseptics, antibiotics, or antifungals, depending on the pathogens. (+info)
Perianal and periumbilical dermatitis: Report of a woman with group G streptococcal infection and review of perianal and periumbilical dermatoses.
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PURPOSE: We describe a woman with perianal and periumbilical dermatitis secondary to group G Streptococcus, summarize the salient features of this condition, and review other cutaneous conditions that clinically mimic streptococcal dermatitis of the umbilicus. BACKGROUND: Periumbilical and perianal streptococcal dermatitis are conditions that commonly occur in children and usually result from beta-hemolytic group A Streptococcus. Rarely, non-group A streptococcal and staphylococcal infections have been reported in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 31-year-old woman developed perianal and periumbilical group G streptococcal dermatitis. Symptoms were present for six months and were refractory to clotrimazole 1 percent and betamethasone dipropionate 0.05 percent cream. RESULTS: The etiology of perianal and periumbilical dermatitis is unclear, but is perhaps explained by virulence of previously asymptomatic colonized bacteria. Perianal streptococcal dermatitis is more common in children. A number of adult infections have been reported, most of which were secondary to group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus. Men are more often affected than women. Group G Streptococcus is rarely the infective etiology of perianal streptococcal dermatitis. This condition presents as a superficial well demarcated erythematous patch on clinical examination. Diagnosis is ascertained by diagnostic swabs and serological tests: antistreptolysin O (ASO) or anti-DNase titer. Treatments include oral amoxicillin, penicillin, erythromycin, and mupirocin ointment. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient expands on the clinical presentation typical of streptococcal dermatitis. We describe a rare occurrence of an adult woman infected with non-group A Streptococcus. Several conditions can mimic the presentation of perianal streptococcal dermatitis. Although rare, group G Streptococcus should be considered in the setting of virulent infections usually attributed to group A species. Streptococcal dermatitis can be added to the list of conditions affecting the umbilicus. (+info)