Atypical pompholyx presentation of secondary Staphyloccoccus and Klebsiella infections in a patient with premorbid Ebstein anomaly: A case report

ABSTRACT

Rationale Pompholyx refers to pruritic vesicles or bullous rash that mainly distribute on the palms and lateral surfaces of the fingers. It is less common among Asians, and in a severe condition, secondary bacterial infection of pompholyx can happen and result in pain, swelling and pustules. Patient concerns A 15-year-old girl complained of progressive wound and small bumps containing yellowish pus and crusts on her hands and feet for over 6 months and worsened in the last month before admission. She also had Ebstein anomaly. Diagnosis Atypical pompholyx with secondary Staphylococcus and Klebsiella infections. Interventions: Wound care with wet dressing and applying moisturizer on crusts, application of antibiotics for Gram positive and negative bacteria and giving nutritional support with reckoning of proper calories. Outcomes: Skin lesions were completely healed and the patient was discharged after 10 days of hospitalization. Lessons Atypical manifestation of pompholyx makes it hard to diagnose. The diagnosis can be confirmed with meticulous history-taking and physical examination. Wound caring and controlling of the infection should be done to earn an optimal outcome.