title: Cutaneous protothecosis on the bilateral wrists of a food handler.
abstract: Cutaneous protothecosis is caused by the achlorophyllic algae Prototheca, typically presenting as a localized plaque in immunocompetent individuals. We report a patient with bilateral erythematous plaques and pustules on her forearms, which had initially been treated with steroids for presumed eczema. Histology showed spherical spore-like bodies with internal morula-like septation, which were positive for periodic-acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, consistent with cutaneous protothecosis. Definitive treatment with oral itraconazole resulted in resolution of the lesions.
authors.affiliation: Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.affiliation: National Skin Centre, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: J Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.affiliation: National Skin Centre, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: H Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Chia
authors.affiliation: National Skin Centre, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Oon
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D004485:Eczema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011525:Prototheca; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D014953:Wrist / Q000473:pathology*