1/4. strongyloides stercoralis infection presenting as generalized prurigo nodularis and lichen simplex chronicus.strongyloides stercoralis is a parasitic nematode that develops an autoinfective life cycle within the gastrointestinal tract of its human host. The infection produces peripheral eosinophilia and cutaneous eruptions, as well as gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms. Detection of S stercoralis is difficult through stool examination, but may be demonstrated by ELISA for IgG antibody against the parasite. We describe a patient with chronic S stercoralis infection initially presenting with generalized prurigo nodularis and lichen simplex chronicus.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = cycle (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/4. Unusual case presentation of lichen simplex chronicus, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and nonpuerperal hyperprolactinemia-galactorrhea.OBJECTIVE: To report the association of nonpuerperal galactorrhea and severe pruritus with clinical stage IIB Hodgkin's lymphoma. methods: We present a detailed history, findings on physical examination, laboratory data, and results of diagnostic imaging in a 25-year-old woman. A review of the related literature and speculations about possible etiologic factors for this association are provided. RESULTS: Dermatologic evaluation of the patient revealed lichen simplex chronicus with multiple excoriations on the anterior chest area and lower extremities. High serum prolactin concentrations and easily expressible galactorrhea were present. magnetic resonance imaging of the sella with 1-mm cuts, however, revealed a normal pituitary gland. Computed tomography showed multiple enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes, and a left supraclavicular lymph node biopsy revealed the presence of reed-sternberg cells and lymphocyte alterations consistent with the diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma. After one cycle of chemotherapy for management of the lymphoma, parallel reductions in serum prolactin concentrations and galactorrhea were noted. CONCLUSION: Possible causes for this syndrome include afferent mammary nerve stimulation resulting from scratching of pruritic skin and cytokine-induced hypersecretion of prolactin attributable to the lymphoma. Although uncommon, this syndrome may serve as an important harbinger of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma, and its disappearance may signify a therapeutic response.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = cycle (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/4. Giant lichenification of the scalp.Lichenification is characterized clinically by thickening of areas of skin as a result of the itch-scratch cycle and therefore is seen in conditions associated with chronic pruritus. The characteristic feature of giant lichenification is the occurrence of tumour-like growths with a warty cribriform surface. We describe a renal transplant patient presenting with giant lichenification of the scalp following an attack of herpes zoster at the same site. Chronic pruritus following scalp dysaethesia secondary to herpes zoster was considered the most likely explanation for the occurrence of these lesions.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = cycle (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/4. Giant lichenification of the vulva with marked ulcerations. A case report.A case of vulvar giant lichenification of Pautrier showed uncommon ulcerations in the center of hyperplastic verrucoid plaques. The diagnosis was made from the history, clinical findings and characteristic features on the skin biopsy. Other causes of vulvar ulcers, such as venereal disease, chronic bullous and autoimmune diseases, and neoplastic conditions were excluded. We treated the patient with systemic antihistamines, topical antiseptics and corticosteroids, and sublesional injections of triamcinolone. The itch-scratch cycle was interrupted by the patient's wearing cotton gloves at night. Complete healing of the ulcers and an improvement in the pruritus was achieved within 14 weeks.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = cycle (Clic here for more details about this article) |