Endocrine Disorders and the Skin

Insect bites and fever: what is your diagnosis?

“…For inoculation of the bacteria, a previous injury to the skin is required, such as insect bites (figure 1B) with secondary bacterial infection. The hypersensitivity reaction to insect bites is called papular urticaria and, especially after ant bites, the lesion may be vesicular and bullous 2. Erysipelas can be clinically diagnosed, and laboratory tests such as complete blood count and inflammatory markers are unnecessary.…”

“…The lesion is well delimited, with intense hyperaemia that rapidly progresses to vesicles and blisters (figure 1A). 2 The involvement of the lower limbs is more common and lesions are unilateral 1 5. Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills and localised adenomegaly can occur 1 5.…”

Answers to Dermatophile

“…The answer is (F)—Erythema infectiosum (EI): EI is a rash caused by parvovirus B19, also known as The Fifth Disease 1 2. It is common in school-aged children, especially during winter and spring.…”

“…Infection is transmitted through the respiratory tract and symptoms such as headache, fever and myalgia end after 5 to 7 days with the production of anti-B19 immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies 1 2. The anti-B19 IgG appears during the third week of illness and coincides with the appearance of the rash and arthralgia 1. It presents as an asymptomatic infection in approximately 50% of cases 2.…”

“…The diagnosis is made clinically but laboratory tests can help. Differential diagnoses include phototoxic reaction, systemic lupus erythematosus,1 rubella, measles, scarlet fever and drug reactions 2. Because the disease is self-limited in immunocompetent patients, treatment is basically supportive 2.…”