Darryl M. Bronson

An epidemic of infection with Trichophyton tonsurans revealed in a 20-year survey of fungal infections in Chicago

Trichophyton tonsurans has long been recognized as an important, but hitherto uncommon, cause of tinea capitis in the United States. Today it is known to be more common, but infection of the glabrous skin by this organism is still not well appreciated. In an epidemiologic study during the two decades from 1961 to 1980, 1,292 isolates of thirteen species of dermatophytes were obtained from patients at Cook County Hospital, Chicago. During the last 3 years of study, T. tonsurans accounted for 207 cases (96%) of tinea capitis and ninety-seven cases (75%) of tinea corporis. Ninety-five percent of cases of tinea capitis caused by T. tonsurans occurred in children (59% girls, 41% boys). By contrast, 62% of cases of tinea corporis caused by that organism occurred in adults. Substantially more women than men were affected in a ratio of nearly six to one. The majority of the women were between 15 and 29 years of age; about half of all had lesions on the arm. Over the past 20 years, T. tonsurans has emerged as a major cause of both tinea capitis and tinea corporis in Chicago. The disproportionate number of cases of tinea corporis in women of childbearing age may be due to their more frequent contact with infected children.

Acute hemorrhagic edema of childhood: An unusual variant of leukocytoclastic vasculitis

A case of acute hemorrhagic edema in a 3-year-old boy is presented. Its cause, differential diagnosis, and relation to Schönlein-Henoch purpura are discussed. Acute hemorrhagic edema is an unusual variant of leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

Acute Miliary Tuberculosis in a Child with Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia

Abstract: A 20‐month‐old boy with anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia developed fever and papulopustular skin lesions. A skin biopsy showed the histologic changes of acute miliary tuberculosis. Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is characterized by an absence of seromucous glands in the oropharynx and tracheobronchial tree, making children with this disease prone to viral and bacterial respiratory infections. Mild defects in their immunologic system have also been reported. We suggest that these abnormalities may have predisposed the patient to this rare form of cutaneous tuberculosis.

Congenital pilar and smooth muscle nevus

A case of congenital pilar and smooth muscle nevus (CPSMN) is reported. CPSMN is a distinct clinical and histologic entity characterized by prominent vellus hairs accompanying a proliferation of smooth muscle within the reticular dermis. Plaquelike elevation and mild hyperpigmentation are variable features of this unusual organoid nevus.

Woolly-Hair Nevus: A Case Report and Study by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract: Woolly‐hair is a congenital defect that produces a localized patch of lightly colored, curly scalp hair. Scanning electron microscopy of the abnormal hairs demonstrates twisting of the hair shaft and abnormal cuticle formation.

Acrodermatitis enteropathica: Recognition at long last during a recurrence in a pregnancy

A case of acrodermatitis enteropathica belatedly recognized in a pregnant 23-year-old woman is reported. The condition was not specifically diagnosed during childhood. It cleared at puberty but recurred during two of three pregnancies in the form of pustular, vesiculobullous, and psoriasiform lesions. There were no associated signs or symptoms in other organs. Initial diagnoses upon the recurrence during the third pregnancy were herpes gestationis and impetigo herpetiformis. A markedly decreased serum zinc level (18 micrograms/dl) was found. Treatment with zinc sulfate was instituted, and within 3 days the cutaneous lesions began to clear. Two months after the birth of a healthy child, and without further therapy, all lesions had resolved and the serum zinc level was nearly normal. Acrodermatitis enteropathica should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unresponsive bullous dermatoses occurring during pregnancy.

Acanthosis nigricans associated with mycosis fungoides

A case of acanthosis nigricans coexistent with mycosis fungoides, the second report in the literature of such an association, is described.

Benign cephalic histiocytosis: A case report and ultrastructural study

A 4-year-old Hispanic boy had an asymptomatic eruption of red-brown macules and papules on the face, neck, trunk, and upper extremities. Examination of the skin lesions by light microscopy revealed a diffuse infiltrate of histiocytes in the upper dermis. Examination by electron microscopy showed wormlike inclusion bodies within the histiocytes. A diagnosis of benign cephalic histiocytosis was made on the basis of these distinct clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural features.

Tretinoin in the removal of eyeliner tattoo

Eyelid tattooing is a commonly performed procedure. For at least 100 years, it has been performed by medical and nonmedical professionals. Complications can occur; the main one is improperly placed pigment. To date, the most frequently reported methods to remove eyeliner tattoos have been laser treatments or surgical correction. We observed a case in which tretinoin was used successfully in the removal of an eyelid tattoo.

Rifampin and Exfoliative Dermatitis

Excerpt To the editor: We report a case of exfoliative dermatitis we believe was induced by rifampin. A 63-year-old Filipino man had evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis on routine chest radiographic...