Non-sexually related acute genital ulcers in 13 pubertal girls: a clinical and microbiological study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and microbiological features of acute genital ulcers (AGU), which have been reported in virgin adolescents, predominantly in girls. DESIGN: Descriptive study. We collected data on the clinical features, sexual history, blood cell count, biochemistry, microbiological workup, and 1-year follow-up. SETTING: Departments of dermatology of 3 university hospitals in Paris. Patients Thirteen immunocompetent female patients with a first flare of non-sexually transmitted AGU. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and microbiological data, using a standardized form. RESULTS: Mean age was 16.6 years (range, 11-19 years). Eleven patients denied previous sexual contact. A fever or flulike symptoms preceded AGU in 10 of the 13 patients (77%), with a mean delay of 3.8 days before the AGU onset (range, 0-10 days). The genital ulcers were bilateral in 10 patients. The final diagnosis was Epstein-Barr virus primary infection in 4 patients (31%) and Behçet disease in 1 patient (8%). No other infectious agents were detected in this series. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend serologic testing for Epstein-Barr virus with IgM antibodies to viral capsid antigens in non-sexually related AGU in immunocompetent patients. Further microbiological studies are required to identify other causative agents.

Cetuximab-induced acne.

BACKGROUND: Cetuximab is a member of a new family of antineoplastic agents that inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). These molecules may induce acneiform eruptions. In this study, we aimed at evaluating (a) the characteristics of acne and (b) whether these acneiform eruptions could be improved by classical anti-acne treatments. METHODS: All patients treated with cetuximab in a single institution from October 2003 to May 2004 were prospectively evaluated. The presence of acne, its severity, need for a treatment and response to this treatment were recorded. RESULTS: 13 patients were included: 11 (85%) developed acneiform eruptions after a mean interval of 10 days. It was severe in 4/13 (31%). Comedones were never found and acne involved nonclassical sites in 3/11. Antibiotic treatment was given to 4 and local treatment to 2 patients: it was always efficient. CONCLUSION: Cetuximab-induced acne is frequent, differs from classical acne and may be treated effectively with classical modalities.