ABSTRACT
Dermatologic diseases are common in the HIV-infected population. Many of the cutaneous diseases are not unique to this group, but the presentation can be more severe. Although the introduction of antiretroviral therapy has been followed by a decline in many of the skin diseases associated with HIV, drug reactions and other non-infectious skin conditions have increased. This article reviews the current spectrum of HIV-associated skin conditions, focusing on common complaints, infections, drug-associated toxicity and malignancies.
ABSTRACT
Pityriasis amiantacea is a rare cutaneous reaction pattern to various underlying inflammatory diseases of the scalp. The clinical findings are very characteristic but often under-recognized. This condition can lead to scarring alopecia, and can be refractory to conservative treatment. It is therefore important to recognize the condition so that appropriate treatment can be initiated promptly.
Subject(s)
Pityriasis/diagnosis , Pityriasis/drug therapy , Scalp , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Cephalexin/therapeutic use , Clobetasol/therapeutic use , Diagnosis, Differential , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Humans , Mineral Oil/therapeutic use , Salicylic Acid/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Segmental neurofibromatosis (NF5) is a rare variant of neurofibromatosis. To our knowledge, there have been few reports of cases presenting later in life. The recognition of NF5 is important, as there have been reports of paraneoplastic manifestations and transmission to offspring. Here we present the case of a patient who presented with NF5 first appearing in her mid-50s. This case illustrates the subtle nature of NF5, which often leads to misdiagnosis.
Subject(s)
Neurofibromatoses/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Chronic disseminated cutaneous blastomycosis is rare in children. We discuss an 11-year-old immunocompetent boy who presented with a history of persistent and multiple skin lesions of >1 year's duration. These lesions proved to be secondary to chronic Blastomyces dermatitidis infection. Complete resolution of clinical disease occurred after a 6-month course of oral itraconazole. We also present a brief review of the literature focusing on the epidemiology, manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric blastomycosis.
Subject(s)
Blastomycosis/diagnosis , Blastomycosis/drug therapy , Blastomycosis/epidemiology , Blastomycosis/pathology , Child , Chronic Disease , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Chronic Natural Killer Cell Lymphocytosis (CNKL) is a recently described rare proliferative disorder. We noted an association of cutaneous disorders with CNKL in our clinical experience. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of all known patients with CNKL at our institution. RESULTS: Five of 14 patients (36%) with CNKL had associated chronic cutaneous disease: two had livedoid vasculopathy; one, urticarial vasculitis; one, peripheral T-cell lymphoma; and one had complex recurrent aphthous stomatitis. In each case, except the one with lymphoma, the cutaneous disease was present before CNKL was diagnosed and CNKL persisted for the duration of the cutaneous disease. All five patients had increased numbers of large granular lymphocytes on a peripheral blood smear and three or four in the bone marrow (one patient did not undergo bone marrow biopsy). CONCLUSIONS: Although CNKL and the reported skin diseases have occurred in the same patients, a causal link cannot yet be established. With CNKL, dermatologists must recognize associated cutaneous diseases, monitor patients for systemic disorders and cytopenias, and appropriately refer patients to a hematologist.
