An AIDS patient with atopic dermatitis-like eruption responsive to systemic anti-fungal treatment.
Patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) often develop unusual skin complications. We describe a case of a 58-year-old man with AIDS who had a history of multiple transfusions with anti-hemophilic factor A. He developed papulovesicular and lichenified skin lesions on his head, face, neck and the extensor aspects of his extremities accompanied by severe pruritus. Atopic dermatitis was suspected; however, intensive treatment with a potent topical corticosteroid and a systemic antihistamine failed. In addition to the decreased subset of CD4-positive lymphocytes characteristic of AIDS, this patient showed an elevated level of serum IgE particularly specific for Candida albicans, probably because he had a chronic candidial infection of the digestive tract. Oral administration of anti-fungal agents Diflucan and Fungizone produced almost complete relief from the atopic dermatitis-like skin disease within 2 weeks.
Hoashi
M
M
Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Imayama
S
S
Hori
Y
Y
Kashiwagi
S
S
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D000935:Antifungal Agents