Síndrome larva migrans cutánea en pediatría / Cutaneous Larva Migrans Syndrome in Pediatrics

La dermatosis denominada larva migrans cutánea: (LMC) es una infección cutánea secundaria a infestación parasitaria por la migración de larvas de anquilostomas animales a la epidermis humana, frecuentemente por contacto directo con suelos contaminados, especialmente en zonas tropicales. Se caracteriza por la aparición de lesiones induradas, eritematosas con patrón irregular o serpiginoso acompañado de prurito. Describimos un caso de LMC en una niña, adquirido durante unas vacaciones en Colombia y tratado inicialmente como celulitis con antibióticos (AU)

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is an infection secondary to parasitic infestation due to the migration of animal hookworm larvae into the human skin, frequently by direct contact with contaminated grounds, especially in the tropics. Clinically, it is characterized by the appearance of indurated, erythematous lesions with irregular or "creeping eruption" pattern and pruritus. This article describes a case of CLM infection in a pediatric patient, it was acquired during the holidays in Colombia, diagnosed as cellulitis and treated accordingly with antibiotics without success (AU)

An unusual giant serpiginous lesion of secondary syphilis

Abstract: Syphilis is a worldwide sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. Its association with other STIs, including HIV, demands early diagnosis and immediate treatment of patients. We herein report an unusual serpiginous form of secondary syphilis.

Dyshidrosiform pemphigoid localized on the hands in a child: a rare occurrence

Abstract: Dyshidrosiform pemphigoid is an acquired autoimmune variant of bullous pemphigoid with persistent vesicobullous eruptions localized on the palms or soles, or both. It generally occurs in the elderly and is rarely reported in childhood. Hereby, we describe the first case of dyshidrosiform pemphigoid in a 12-year-old child, which was limited to the dorsal hands and treated successfully with dapsone (diaminodiphenyl sulfone). Along with this report, we also review the clinical features of various types of dyshidrosiform pemphigoid.

Milia-like calcinosis cutis in a girl with Down syndrome

Abstract: Milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis (MICC) is a very rare dermatological disorder characterized by multiple whitish to skin colored, milia-like papules, mostly found on the hands. MICC can disappear spontaneously by adulthood; therefore, its early recognition is crucial to avoiding unnecessary interventions. Herein, we present a case of MICC in a 6-year-old girl with Down syndrome.

Protein contact dermatitis - case report / Dermatite de contacto proteinica - relato de caso

Protein contact dermatitis is a skin condition not well known and underdiagnosed by dermatologists, resulting from an IgE-mediated allergic reaction. Clinically it presents as a chronic hand and/or forearms eczema of occupational origin, especially in professionals who work as food handlers. Epicutaneous tests are negative, and to diagnose this condition it is necessary to perform immediate-type allergy tests. The most sensitive and practical is the prick-by-prick test with food that the patient refers to cause intense itching after immediate skin contact. Treatment is symptomatic, and it is mandatory to avoid the responsible allergen, wearing plastic gloves and even sometimes leaving the workplace for symptom resolution.

A dermatite de contacto proteínica é uma condição pouco conhecida e infra-diagnosticada pelos dermatologistas, resultante de uma resposta alérgica de tipo imediato, mediada por IgE. Clinicamente apresenta-se como um eczema crónico em mãos e/ou antebraços de origem ocupacional, sobretudo em profissionais que trabalham manipulando alimentos. As provas epicutâneas são negativas e para realizar o diagnóstico desta condição há que realizar testes alérgicos de tipo imediato, sendo o mais sensível e rápido, o prick-by-prick test com os alimentos que o paciente refere causar-lhe prurido intenso e imediato ao seu contacto. O tratamento é sintomático, sendo necessário evitar o alérgeno responsável, utilizar luvas de plástico e em ocasiões abandonar o posto de trabalho para a sua resolução.

An observational and descriptive study of the epidemiology of and therapeutic approach to onychomycosis in dermatology offices in Brazil / Estudo obervacional descritivo da epidemiologia e abordagem terapêutica da onicomicose nos consultórios dermatológicos no Brasil

Onychomycosis is a type of fungal infection that accounts for over 50% of all onycopathies. Some authors consider superficial mycosis the most difficult to be treated. Very few studies have been carried out in order to assess the epidemiology of onychomycosis in Brazil. To describe the epidemiological profile of onychomycosis in Brazilian dermatology offices and to assess the etiology of the disease, how often mycosis exams are requested, and the treatment adopted. A descriptive, observational study was carried out between May and July, 2010. Thirty-eight dermatologists from different Brazilian regions participated in the study, and 7,852 patients with any skin diseases who had all of their nails examined were included in the study. Of the 7,852 patients, 28.3% were clinically diagnosed as having onychomycosis. Women over 45 years old who practiced exercises or with a personal history of the disease showed greater likelihood of having onychomycosis. The disease was most seen in the feet, and the majority of cases involved the hallux. On the hands, the index finger was the most affected. Mycosis exams were not requested for all clinically suspected cases. When exams were done, results showed that the most common fungus was Trichophyton rubrum. The most common clinical lesion was distal-lateral. The most prescribed topical treatments were amorolfine and ciclopirox olamine, while systemic treatments included fluconazole and terbinafine. This study was important to describe the epidemiological behavior of onychomycosis in Brazilian ...

Fundamentos: As onicomicoses são infecções fúngicas que representam mais de 50% de todas onicopatias e são consideradas por alguns autores a micose superficial de mais difícil tratamento. Poucos estudos foram feitos para investigar a epidemiologia da onicomicose no Brasil. Descrever perfil epidemiológico da onicomicose nos consultórios brasileiros de dermatologia. Também observar a etiologia, a freqüência da solicitação do exame micológico e a terapia empregada. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e observacional no período de Maio a Julho de 2010. Participaram 38 dermatologistas de diferentes regiões do Brasil e foram incluídos 7852 pacientes. Dos 7852 pacientes, 28.3% apresentaram diagnóstico de onicomicose. Mulheres, maiores de 45 anos, praticantes de esportes, ou com histórico pessoal da doença, apresentaram chance maior de adquirir onicomicose. A doença foi mais frequente nos pés, sendo o hálux, o dedo mais acometido. Nas mãos, o primeiro dedo foi o mais atingido. Exame micológico não foi solicitado para todos os casos. Quando realizado, o fungo mais freqüente foi o Trichophyton rubrum. A lesão clinica mais comum foi a distal-lateral. Os tratamentos tópicos mais prescritos foram amorolfina e ciclopirox olamina, enquanto os sistêmicos foram o fluconazol e a terbinafina. Este estudo foi de fundamental importância para descrever o comportamento epidemiológico ...

Case for diagnosis / Caso para diagnóstico

Chilblains are an inflammatory skin condition that develops following exposure to the cold. They consist of pruritic and/or painful erythematous-to-violaceous acral lesions and are the result of an abnormal vascular response to exposure to the cold. This benign condition is common in southern Brazil, particularly in Rio Grande do Sul where climatic conditions, together with cultural and economic aspects, facilitate the development of these sores.

Eritema pérnio é uma condição inflamatória da pele que ocorre após exposição ao frio e se manifesta com lesões eritêmato-violáceas, pruriginosas e dolorosas nas extremidades. Ocorre devido a uma resposta vascular alterada à exposição ao frio. Esta condição benigna é frequente na região sul do Brasil, especialmente no Rio Grande do Sul, onde as características clínicas, associadas a aspectos culturais e econômicos, promovem o desenvolvimento do eritema pérnio.

Onicomicose por Scytalidium spp.: estudo clínico-epidemiológico em um hospital universitário do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Onycomychosis due to Scytalidium spp.: a clinical and epidemiologic study at a University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

FUNDAMENTOS: O Scytalidium spp. é fungo filamentoso, saprobio do solo e plantas, considerado, atualmente, patógeno primário das unhas. A prevalência das infecções ungueais causadas por este fungo vem aumentando nas últimas décadas, embora ainda sejam poucos os trabalhos publicados sobre sua epidemiologia. OBJETIVO: Estudo clínico-epidemiológico dos pacientes portadores de onicomicose por Scytalidium spp. em um hospital universitário do Rio de Janeiro. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados os dados clínico-epidemiológicos de 30 pacientes com onicomicose por Scytalidium spp. por meio do estudo observacional de 1.295 pacientes que se submeteram a exame micológico ungueal no período de 16 meses. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino (66,6 por cento), a média de idade foi de 56,7 anos e 63,3 por cento eram não-brancos. O nível de escolaridade em 53,3 por cento dos pacientes era o ensino fundamental e a renda familiar predominante foi de 3 a 5 salários mínimos em 36,6 por cento dos entrevistados. Em 90 por cento dos casos, as unhas dos pododáctilos foram acometidas, sendo a alteração clínica mais comum a onicólise (18 pacientes) e em 66,6 por cento dos casos observou-se melanoníquia. O tempo de evolução da doença foi maior do que cinco anos em 43,3 por cento dos casos. Dezenove pacientes (63,3 por cento) já haviam realizado tratamento medicamentoso para o quadro atual. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados mostram que a infecção ungueal pelo Scytalidium spp. é crônica, mais comum no sexo feminino (2:1) e atinge indivíduos adultos. Clinicamente, é semelhante às dermatofitoses. A prevalência na amostra estudada foi de 4,86 por cento e correspondeu a 26,92 por cento dos exames positivos.

BACKGROUND: Scytalidium sp. is a filamentous (thread-like), saprobic fungus which affects soil and plants. It is currently considered a primary pathogen of the nail. The prevalence of nail infections caused by this fungus has been increasing in recent decades, although few published studies have been done on its epidemiology. OBJECTIVE: To study clinico-epidemiological data referring to patients with onychomycosis caused by Scytalidium spp. at a University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical and epidemiological data of 30 patients with onychomycosis by Scytalidium sp. through an observational study of 1295 patients who underwent mycological nail tests over a period of 16 months. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were female (66.6 percent), with an average age of 56.7 years. 63.3 percent of them were nonwhite. 53.3 percent of the patients had attended elementary school and 36.6 percent referred a family income of 3 to 5 minimum wages. In 90 percent of cases, the toenails were affected, primarily with onycholysis (18 patients), and in 66 percent of the cases melanonychia was observed. In 43.3 percent of cases the disease had progressed for more than 5 years. 19 patients (63.3 percent) had undergone some medical treatment for their current condition. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that nail infection by Scytalidium sp. is chronic, affecting adults, particularly females (2:1). Clinically the disease resembles dermatophytosis. Prevalence of the disease in our sample was 4.86 percent, accounting for 26.92 percent of the positive tests.

Aspectos epidemiológicos de pacientes com lesões ungueais e cutâneas causadas por Scytalidium spp / Epidemiological aspects of patients with ungual and cutaneous lesions caused by Scytalidium spp

FUNDAMENTO: As dermatomicoses causadas por fungos filamentosos não dermatófitos são infecções raras, exceto as onicomicoses, cuja prevalência vem crescendo nos últimos anos. Dentre esses agentes etiológicos destacam-se o Scytalidium dimidiatum e o S. hyalinum, fungos emergentes responsáveis por micoses em unhas e pele. OBJETIVO: Investigar as características epidemiológicas das onicomicoses e micoses de outras localizações causadas pelos fungos do gênero Scytalidium, utilizando-se como parâmetros sexo, idade e localizações das lesões. MÉTODOS: Avaliaram-se 81 amostras com cultura positiva para o gênero em estudo, oriundas de 74 pacientes encaminhados ao Laboratório de Investigação em Dermatologia (ID) situado na cidade do Rio de Janeiro (RJ), no período de 1997 a 2006. As amostras foram submetidas a confirmação diagnóstica por exame direto e cultura. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de onicomicoses por Scytalidium spp. foi de 0,87 por cento, entre as idades de 41 e 60 anos (48,64 por cento). Em relação à localização das lesões, os pés foram mais acometidos (91,36 por cento), com predomínio do hálux esquerdo. No exame direto, as estruturas mais encontradas foram hifas hialinas; na cultura, a espécie S. dimidiatum foi a mais frequente. CONCLUSÃO: As onicomicoses por Scytalidium spp. são raras e o S. dimidiatum foi a espécie mais isolada neste laboratório no período em estudo.

BACKGROUND: Dermatomycoses caused by non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi are rare infections, except for onychomycosis, whose prevalence has increased over the past few years. Among these etiologic agents, we highlight Scytalidium dimidiatum and S. hyalinum, emergent fungi that cause mycoses that affect the nails and skin. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of onychomycosis and other mycoses caused by the fungi Scytalidium spp, using sex, age and site of infection as parameters. METHODS: Eighty-one samples were evaluated showing positive culture for Scytalidium spp, obtained from 74 patients referred to the Laboratory of Investigation in Dermatology (ID) located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, between 1997 and 2006. The samples were submitted to diagnostic confirmation through direct exam and culture. RESULTS: The prevalence of onychomycosis caused by Scytalidium spp. was of 0,87 percent. The most prevalent age was between 41-60 years (48.64 percent). Regarding the site of infection, the feet (91.36 percent) were most affected, with predominance of the left hallux. Hyaline hyphae were the most common structures in direct examination and the species S. dimidiatum was the most frequent in culture. CONCLUSION: Onychomycosis caused by Scytalidium spp. is rare and S. dimidiatum was the most isolated species in this laboratory during the period of the study.

Acroqueratoelastoidosis, patología infrecuente o diagnóstico por hallazgo con subregistro: reporte de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / Acrokeratoelastoidosis: infrequent pathology or underreported diagnostic finding: report of two cases and review of the literature

La acroqueratoelastoidosis es una genodermatosis de curso crónico que se caracteriza por la presencia de múltiples pápulas pequeñas e hiperqueratosicas, o placas firmes sobre márgenes laterales de manos y pies, así como dorso de palmas y plantas. Describimos dos casos clínicos evaluados en dos instituciones de salud, el primero de un paciente varón de 73 anos que consulta por tina de la mano, con el hallazgo casual de lesiones papulares traslúcidas, algunas umbilicadas, en bordes y dorso de dedos de las manos, sin antecedentes familiares de cuadros similares; el segundo caso el de una paciente de 16 anos que consulta por acné y que al examen general se describe como hallazgo lesiones queratósicas papulares, pequeñas, agrupadas, traslucidas y de color amarillento que se ubicaban en el borde cubital del quinto dedo y pliegue interdigital del primer y segundo dedo en ambas manos. El estudio histopatológico concluyo en acroqueratoelastoidosis. Reportamos estos casos por ser cuadros de poca frecuencia y se realiza una revisión de la literatura.

Acrokeratoelastoidosis is a genodermatosis of chronic condition, characterized by multiple small hyperkeratotic papules or by firm plaques on the sides of the hands and feet, as well as the back of palms and soles. We describe two cases who attended to two healthcare facilities, the first of a 73-year-old male who consulted for ringworm of the hand, with the incidental finding of translucent papular lesions, some with umbilicated center, along the sides and backs of fingers, with no previous family history of such symptoms. The second one of a 16-year-old female patient who consulted for acne but presented, on physical examination, a small group of translucent yellowish papular keratotic lesions on the cubital side of the ulnar finger and interdigital fold of the first and second fingers on both hands. Histopathology study concluded acrokeratoelastoidosis. We report these cases because of their low frequency, and reviewed the literature.

Localización inusual del carcinoma epidermoide: a propósito de un caso / Unusual location of squamous cell carcinoma: report of a case

El carcinoma epidermoide es una proliferación maligna de células epidérmicas que muestra características variables de la epidermis suprabasal normal; es el tumor mas frecuente de las zonas de piel expuesta a los rayos solares y mucosas, en personas mayores alrededor de los 60 años, con incidencia superior en el sexo masculino en una proporción de 10:1, y moderada probabilidad de causar metástasis. Además de la luz solar hay otros factores predisponentes implicados en su aparición como son la inmunosuperación en pacientes que han sido sometidos a quimioterapia o trasplantes de órganos, por lo que se ha visto su aparición en pacientes más jóvenes. El caso que se presenta se trata de una paciente femenina de 55 años de edad, sin antecedentes de exposición prolongada a los rayos de luz ultra violeta, ni traumático conocido en el área de la lesión.

Carcinoma epidermoid is a wicked proliferation of epidermal cells that shows variable characteristic of the epiderms normal suprabasal; it is the tumor but it frequents fron the areas of exposed skin to the solar and mucous rays, in grown-ups around the 60 years, with superior incidence in the masculine sex in a proportion of 10:1, and moderate probability of causing metastasis. Besides the solar light there are other factors predisposing implied in their appearance like they are the inmunosupresión in patients that have been subjeted to chemotherapy or transplants of organs, for what one has seen their appearance in younger patients. The case that is presented is a 55 year-old femenine patient, without records of lingering exhibition to the rays of light ultra violet, neither traumatic well-known in the the area of the lesion.

Acropustulosis infantil / Infantile acropustulosis

La acropustulosis infantil (AI) es una patología benigna, autorresolutiva, que se presenta con mayor frecuencia en los primeros años de la vida, caracterizada por episodios recurrentes de pápulas, vesículas o pústulas, muy pruriginosas y de localización acral. Su etiología es desconocida y en ocasiones terapéuticas, entre las que se destacan los glucocorticoides tópicos de mediana y alta potencia. Se realizó un estudio retrosptectivo de 22 pacientes con diagnóstico de AI atendidos en nuestra institución durante un período de 12 años; se analizaron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas y terapéuticas. El 63,64% de los pacientes eran de sexo femenino; la edad promedio de comienzo de los síntomas fue 11 meses; 8 pacientes referían haber realizado tratamiento previo para escabiosis, pero sólo en 3 se pudo confirmar el diagnóstico. El tratamiento utilizado consistió en glucocorticoides tópicos asociado a antihistamínicos con mejoría de los síntomas en cada brote.

Histoplasmose cutânea primária: relato de caso em paciente imunocompetente e revisão de literatura / Primary cutaneous histoplasmosis: case report on an immunocompetent patient and review of the literature

É relatado um caso de histoplasmose cutânea primária em um homem de 45 anos, com apresentação de um nódulo eritematoso no dorso da mão direita acompanhado de linfadenomegalia regional indolor, que se desenvolveu após trauma local ocorrido durante treinamento militar em túnel habitado por morcegos. O exame histológico de biópsia da lesão cutânea mostrou um infiltrado granulomatoso, porém não evidenciou elementos fúngicos. O cultivo deste material incubado em Ágar Sabouraud mostrou crescimento de Histoplasma capsulatum. Não foi encontrada evidência de envolvimento sistêmico ou imunossupressão. O tratamento com 400mg diários de itraconazol oral durante 6 meses resultou na remissão completa da lesão, mantida um ano após o término do tratamento.

This report describes a case of primary cutaneous histoplasmosis in a 45-year-old male. The presentation consisted of an erythematous nodule on the back of the right hand, accompanied by nontender regional lymphadenomegaly that developed following local trauma that occurred during military training in a tunnel inhabited by bats. Histological examination of a biopsy specimen from the skin lesion showed granulomatous infiltrate, but did not show fungal elements. Culturing of this material, incubated in Sabouraud agar, showed growth of Histoplasma capsulatum. No evidence of systemic involvement or immunosuppression was found. Treatment with 400 mg/day of itraconazole orally for six months resulted in complete remission of the lesion, which was maintained one year after the end of the treatment.

Successive mycological nail tests for onychomycosis: a strategy to improve diagnosis efficiency

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of nails caused by dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds, accounting for about 50 percent of onychopathies. A high frequency of onychomycosis caused by Candida species has been reported during the last few years in northeast Brazil, as well as in other regions of the world. A clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis needs to be confirmed through laboratory exams. We evaluated the importance of serial repetition of direct microscopic exams and fungal culture for the diagnosis of onychomycosis in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, in northeast Brazil. We first made a retrospective study of 127 patients with onychomycosis, identifying the fungi that had been isolated from fingernails and toenails. We then made a prospective study of 120 patients, who were submitted to three successive mycological examinations. Ungual residues were scraped off and directly examined with a microscope and fungal cultures were made. In the retrospective study, in which only one sample was analyzed, the incidence of onychomycosis was 25.0 percent. In our prospective study, in which we had data from successive mycological examinations, 37.8 percent had onychomycosis. The most commonly isolated fungi in both studies were yeasts from the genera Candida, especially C albicans, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. We found a high proportion of onychomycosis caused by Candida species. We also concluded that serial repetition of direct microscopic examination and fungal culture, with intervals of 2-5 days improved the diagnosis of onychomycosis. We suggest that this laboratorial strategy is necessary for accurate diagnosis of this type of mycosis, especially when the standard procedures fail to diagnose fungal infection, despite strong clinical suspicion.

Tinea nigra palmaris: presentación de un caso clínico en la República Argentina

Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente que consultó por una mancha oscura en la palma izquierda. El examen micológico permitió determinar que la infección había sido producida por un hongo pigmentado, Hortaea werneckii, agente etiológico de la tinea nigra palmaris. Esta es una infección benigna que puede ser rápidamente diagnosticada y tiene tratamiento eficaz. La paciente fue tratada con econazol durante un mes, con remisión completa de las lesiones. Frente a la sospecha de una infección fúngica por la presencia de manchas de color pardo es muy importante practicar el estudio micológico, ya que mediante una técnica no invasora es posible establecer un diagnóstico diferencial y descartar fácilmente otras patologías más graves con las que puede confundirse en el examen clínico.

A clinical case of a female patient with a black spot on the palm of her left hand is presented. The infection was due to a black fungus identified as Hortaea werneckii, the aetiological agent of tinea nigra palmaris. This infection can be easily diagnosed and it is important to establish the differential diagnosis from other skin pathologies. Normally, the treatment has a successful outcome. In this case, the patient was treated with econazole locally applied during one month, with complete remission of the lesions. In conclusion, the early diagnosis of this disease is very important since the mycology procedures are fast and non-invasive and cure is obtained with local treatment.