Although this question straddles the line between derma and pediatrics, we would like to do our bit. We are being told about erythema súdenita or fifth disease (also called megaloerythema), caused by parvovirus B19. It is typical that after an episode of high fever an erythema appears on both cheeks in the form of a "slap" that usually has a cranial-caudal extension in the following days.

A 7-year-old girl who comes for consultation because her parents notice her red face since the previous day and in the last few hours they have noticed red spots on her body. On examination she is afebrile, with tonsils and ears without alterations, normal cardiopulmonary auscultation. He presents a confluent maculo papular rash on both cheeks, respecting the upper lip, resembling a "slapped" face. In the thorax she presents a reticular, lacy, non-pruritic exanthem. What is the most probable clinical diagnosis?

Fifth disease

Signs and symptoms Fifth disease starts with a low-grade fever, headache, rash, and cold-like symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose. These symptoms pass, then a few days later, the rash appears. The bright red rash most commonly appears in the face, particularly the cheeks. This is a defining symptom of the infection in children (hence the name "slapped cheek disease"). Occasionally, the rash will extend over the bridge of the nose or around the mouth. In addition to red cheeks, children often develop a red, lacy rash on the rest of the body, with the upper arms, torso, and legs being the most common locations. The rash typically lasts a few days and may itch; some cases have been known to last for several weeks. Patients are usually no longer infectious once the rash has appeared.

InternalMed_Harrison

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS Erythema Infectiosum Most B19V infections are asymptomatic or are associated with only a mild nonspecific illness. The main manifestation of symptomatic B19V infection is erythema infectiosum, also known as fifth disease or slapped-cheek disease (Fig. 221-2 and Fig. 25e-1A). Infection begins with a minor febrile prodrome ~7–10 days after exposure, and the classic facial rash develops several days later; after 2–3 days, the erythematous macular rash may spread to the extremities in a lacy reticular pattern. However, its intensity and distribution vary, and B19V-induced rash is difficult to distinguish from other viral exanthems. Adults typically do not exhibit the “slapped-cheek” phenomenon but present with arthralgia, with or without the macular rash.

InternalMed_Harrison

(Reprinted from K Wolff, RA Johnson: Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, 5th ed. New York, McGraw-Hill, 2005.) Figure 25e-1 A. Erythema leading to “slapped cheeks” appearance in erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) caused by parvovirus B19. B. Lacy reticular rash of erythema infectiosum. (Panel A reprinted from K Wolff, RA Johnson: Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, 6th ed. New York, McGraw-Hill, 2009.) PART 2 Cardinal Manifestations and Presentation of Diseases Figure 25e-4 In rubella, an erythematous exanthem spreads from the hairline downward and clears as it spreads. (Courtesy of Stephen E. Gellis, MD; with permission.)

InternalMed_Harrison

226) may exhibit pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, and a nonspecific maculopapular exanthem. The rash of erythema infectiosum (fifth disease), which is caused by human parvovirus B19, primarily affects children 3–12 years old; it develops after fever has resolved as a bright blanchable erythema on the cheeks (“slapped cheeks”) with perioral pallor (Chap. 221). A more diffuse rash (often pruritic) appears the next day on the trunk and extremities and then rapidly develops into a lacy reticular eruption that may wax and wane (especially with temperature change) over 3 weeks. Adults with fifth disease often have arthritis, and fetal hydrops can develop in association with this condition in pregnant women.

Rubella

The swollen glands or lymph nodes can persist for up to a week and the fever rarely rises above 38 °C (100.4 °F). The rash of rubella is typically pink or light red. The rash causes itching and often lasts for about three days. The rash disappears after a few days with no staining or peeling of the skin. When the rash clears up, the skin might shed in very small flakes where the rash covered it. Forchheimer spots occur in 20% of cases and is characterized by small, red papules on the area of the soft palate. Rubella can affect anyone of any age. Adult women are particularly prone to arthritis and joint pains. In children, rubella normally causes symptoms which last two days and include: Rash beginning on the face which spreads to the rest of the body. Low fever of less than 38.3 °C (101 °F). Posterior cervical lymphadenopathy.

Fifth disease

Erythema infectiosum, fifth disease, or slapped cheek syndrome is one of several possible manifestations of infection by parvovirus B19. Fifth disease typically presents as a rash and is more common in children. While parvovirus B19 can affect humans of all ages, only two out of ten individuals will present with physical symptoms. The name "fifth disease" comes from its place on the standard list of rash-causing childhood diseases, which also includes measles (first), scarlet fever (second), rubella (third), Dukes' disease (fourth, but is no longer widely accepted as distinct from scarlet fever), and roseola (sixth).

[Five cases of erythema infectiosum in adults].

The similarities between clinical features of erythema infectiosum and collagen disease or other viral infections prompted us to investigate clinical manifestations and laboratory data of parvovirus B19 (B19) infection in adults. We diagnosed all five patients as acute B19 infection by antibody assays. The age of patients ranged from 18 to 39 years old (mean 29), and all patients were female. All five patients showed high fever, arthralgia and edema of the extremities. Four of the five patients showed skin rash of the extremities or cheeks. Two patients were diagnosed as erythema infectiosum by family physicians before coming to us. The three remaining patients were suspected to be systemic lupus erythematosus, adult Still disease or rubella indivisually and referred to our hospital. A-27-old female (case 5) visited our hospital because of polyarthralgia and butterfly rash on her face. A test for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) was positive at a dilution of 1:320. Rheumatoid factor (RF) was also detected by latex fixation test. Her AST was 51 IU/L, ALT 68 IU/L and LDH 568 IU/L. Her symptoms persisted for 3 weeks and hepatic dysfunction recovered within 3 weeks. Five months later. ANA was negative at the dilution of less than 1:40. We suggest that the similarities between some symptoms of B19 infection and clinical and serological manifestation of collagen diseases merit closer attention.

InternalMed_Harrison

(Table 72-13) Exanthems are characterized by an acute generalized eruption. The most common presentation is erythematous macules and papules (morbilliform) and less often confluent blanching erythema (scarlatiniform). Morbilliform eruptions are usually due to either drugs or viral infections. For example, up to 5% of patients receiving penicillins, sulfonamides, phenytoin, or nevirapine will develop a maculopapular eruption. Accompanying signs may include pruritus, fever, eosinophilia, and transient lymphadenopathy. Similar maculopapular eruptions are seen in the classic childhood viral exanthems, including (1) rubeola (measles)—a prodrome of coryza, cough, and conjunctivitis followed by Koplik’s spots on the buccal mucosa; the eruption begins behind the ears, at the hairline, and on the forehead and then spreads down the body, often becoming confluent; (2) rubella—the eruption begins on the forehead and face PART 2 Cardinal Manifestations and Presentation of Diseases

Scarlet fever

Mouth The streptococcal pharyngitis, which is the usual presentation of scarlet fever in combination with the characteristic rash, commonly involves the tonsils. The tonsils will appear swollen and reddened. The palate and uvula are also commonly affected by the infection. The involvement of the soft palate can be seen as tiny red and round spots known as Forchheimer spots. Variable presentations The features of scarlet fever can differ depending on the age and race of the person. Children less than 5 years old can have atypical presentations. Children less than 3 years old can present with nasal congestion and a lower grade fever. Infants may present with symptoms of increased irritability and decreased appetite. Children who have darker skin can have a different presentation, as the redness of the skin involved in the rash and the ring of paleness around the mouth can be less obvious. Suspicion based on accompanying symptoms and diagnostic studies are important in these cases.

Erythema Infectiosum -- History and Physical

The most common and classic presentation of erythema infectiosum is a mild febrile illness with rash. Beginning symptoms of infection can include fever, malaise, myalgias, diarrhea, vomiting, and headache. After initial viremia, the classic erythematous malar rash involving the cheeks with surrounding oral pallor develops. This rash does not develop early in the disease process. The rash is classically characterized as a “slapped-cheek rash” and maybe the only clinical diagnostic finding in this disease process. This facial rash can last 4 to 5 days. At the time the facial rash develops, the patient usually feels well, and the viremia has resolved. This rash is thought to be immune-mediated. Days after the facial rash develops, a maculopapular rash usually develops on the trunk and limbs. This rash is nonpruritic and usually lasts about 1 week. The rash may also have a lacy or reticular appearance as it starts to resolve. The reticular rash is often present more on the extensor surfaces. The palms of the hands and soles of the feet are typically not affected. [6] Exposure to sun or heat may exacerbate the rash.

InternalMed_Harrison

eXantHems Enterovirus infection is the leading cause of exanthems in children in the summer and fall. While exanthems are associated with many enteroviruses, certain types have been linked to specific syndromes. Echoviruses 9 and 16 have frequently been associated with exanthem and fever. Rashes may be discrete or confluent, beginning on the face and spreading to the trunk and extremities. Echovirus 9 is the most common cause of a rubelliform (discrete) rash. Unlike the rash of rubella, the enteroviral rash occurs in the summer and is not associated with lymphadenopathy. Roseola-like rashes develop after defervescence, with macules and papules on the face and trunk. The Boston exanthem, caused by echovirus 16, is a roseola-like rash. A variety of other rashes have been associated with enteroviruses, including erythema multiforme (see Fig. 25e-25) and vesicular, urticarial, petechial, or purpuric lesions. Enanthems also occur, including lesions that resemble the Koplik’s spots seen

Rubella -- History and Physical

Postnatal infection with rubella can be asymptomatic in approximately 25% to 50% of the patients, especially in young children. The incubation period ranges from 14 to 21 days and is followed by a prodromal illness characterized by low-grade fever, malaise, anorexia, headaches, sore throat, and adenopathy. The lymphadenopathy typically involves postauricular, suboccipital, and anterior cervical lymph nodes. The exanthem could be the first manifestation in children and consists of pinpoint pink macules and papules that classically begin on the face and rapidly spreads to involve the trunk and extremities. Occasionally, the rash is scarlatiniform or purpuric. The rash typically lasts for 3 days and fades in the same directional pattern as it appears. [1] Petechiae on the soft palate (Forchheimer spots) can also be observed in approximately 20% of the patients.

Epidemiological and clinical features of erythema infectiosum in children in Novi Sad from 2000 to 2009.

Erythema infectiosum (EI) is a common childhood illness, caused by human parvovirus B19. It occurs sporadically or in epidemics and is characterized by mild constitutional symptoms and a blotchy or maculopapular lacy rash on the cheeks (slapped-cheek) spreading primarily to the extremities and trunk. The aim of our study was to analyse the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of erythema infectiosum in children. This study included 88 children observed in the Department of Dermatology of the Institute for Child and Youth Health Care of Vojvodina, in Novi Sad, during the period January 2000-December 2009. We compared the data about the clinical characteristics during and after the outbreak of EI observed from December 2001 to September 2002. The data were retrieved from the hospital database. During the study period, EI was detected in 88 children (44 females and 44 males), 0.213% of the total number of 41,345 children observed in the Department of Dermatology. An outbreak of erythema infectiosum was observed from December 2001 to September 2002, with the peak frequency in April and May 2002 and 39 diagnosed cases, and stable number of cases from 2005 to 2009 (a total of 49 diagnosed cases). The average age of infected children was 7.59 +/- 3.339. Eleven (12.5%) children were referred from primary care pediatricians with the diagnosis of urticaria or rash of allergic origin. The most constant clinical sign was reticular exanthema on the limbs, present in 100% of the cases, followed by 89.77% of cheek erythema. Pruritus was present in 9.09% of the children, mild constitutional symptoms in 5.68% and palpable lymph glands in 3.41% of the children. In all the cases the course of the disease was without complications. The results of this study confirm the presence of EI (the fifth disease) in our area with a mild course in the majority of patients. Since the diagnosis of EI is usually based on clinical findings, continuing medical education of primary health care pediatricians is essential for reducing the number of misdiagnosed cases.

Parvoviruses -- History and Physical -- Erythema Infectiosum

The prodrome of symptoms begins during viremia, where patients experience a headache, myalgias, and fever. The exanthem develops one to one and one-half weeks later. It is important to know that the patient is not contagious once the eruption occurs. At this time, the patient will have a “slapped cheek” appearance, described as erythema of the cheeks, sparing the central face. This finding is the most recognizable for this disease. Adults may not have the facial rash with this infection. Later, a maculopapular eruption occurs that looks “lacy” and reticular and favors the extremities but occurs on the trunk to a lesser extent. The eruption can last anywhere from one to three weeks. The rash can worsen when exposed to heat or sunlight. Arthritis of the small joints may occur, namely the hands, feet, and knees; however, this is more common in adults. It is especially common in women and is rare in children, where it occurs in only 10%. [5] [6] [7] [8]

Chickenpox

Signs and symptoms The early (prodromal) symptoms in adolescents and adults are nausea, loss of appetite, aching muscles, and headache. This is followed by the characteristic rash or oral sores, malaise, and a low-grade fever that signal the presence of the disease. Oral manifestations of the disease (enanthem) not uncommonly may precede the external rash (exanthem). In children the illness is not usually preceded by prodromal symptoms, and the first sign is the rash or the spots in the oral cavity. The rash begins as small red dots on the face, scalp, torso, upper arms and legs; progressing over 10–12 hours to small bumps, blisters and pustules; followed by umbilication and the formation of scabs.

Erythema infectiosum in children. A Clinical study.

Erythema infectiosum is a childhood illness characterized by mild constitutional symptoms and a blotchy or maculopopular lacy rash on the cheeks (slapped - cheek) spreading primarily to the extremities and trunk. The disease is caused by human parvovirus B19. Erythema infectiosum epidemics occur in a cyclic fashion, mostly during winter and spring months. The diagnosis of erythema infectiosum is usually based on the appearance and pattern of the rash. The aim of our study was to establish the frequency and clinical characteristics of erythema infectiosum in children, in the period between 2000 and 2004 at the Institute of Child and Youth Health Care, Department of Dermatology, Novi Sad There were 0.23% of children with a clinical picture of infectious erythema. There was an outbreak of erythema infectiosum from December 2001 to September 2002. The highest number of cases was detected in April and May of 2002 from 2003 to 2004, no cases with infekctious erythema were diagnosed. The average age of injected children was 7.38. Female children were affected slightly more often than male (56.41% : 43.58%). Pruritus was detected in 10.26% of children. The most constant clinical sign was reticular exanthema on the limbs, present in 100% of cases, jollowed by 89.74% of cheek exanthema, while limb and trunk exanthema was present in 7.68% of children. Adenopathies and mild constitutional symptoms were present in 5.12% of children. No complications were recorded in any of the cases.

Human herpesvirus 6

Primary infection in adults tend to be more severe. Diagnosis for the virus, particularly HHV-6B, is vital for the patient because of the infection's adverse effects. Symptoms that point to this infection, such as rashes, go unnoticed in patients that receive antibiotics because they can be misinterpreted as a side-effect of the medicine. HHV-6B is known to be associated with the childhood disease roseola infantum, as well as other illnesses caused by the infection. These include hepatitis, febrile convulsions, and encephalitis. Children who suffer from exanthema subitum, caused by an HHV-6B infection, experience fevers lasting 3 to 5 days; rashes on the torso, neck, and face; and sometimes febrile convulsions, however, the symptoms are not always present together. Primary infections in adults are rare since most occurrences are in children. When the infection does occur for the first time in an adult the symptoms can be severe.

InternalMed_Harrison

Exanthem subitum (roseola) is caused by human herpesvirus 6 and is most common among children <3 years of age (Chap. 219). As in erythema infectiosum, the rash usually appears after fever has subsided. It consists of 2to 3-mm rose-pink macules and papules that coalesce only rarely, occur initially on the trunk and sometimes on the extremities (sparing the face), and fade within 2 days.

Pain, swelling and irritability in the sun: what is the diagnosis?

A 7-year-old boy presented with a 24-hour history of severe burning pain affecting both hands that had started within minutes of playing outdoors. His mother reported that he had been running his hands under cold water and shaking his hands and head to try and relieve the pain. On examination, there was swelling of his hands, eyelids and cheeks. His parents mentioned that his hands and face had 'swollen in the sun' every summer from the age of 2 years.A 3-year-old girl presented with a 2-day history of left upper limb swelling following a day of prolonged sun exposure. Examination revealed non-pitting oedema extending from her left shoulder to hand with no associated tenderness, erythema or rash. Her mother reported six previous episodes of irritability following sun exposure during which she would cry and flap her hands 'for hours'.Oral steroids and antihistamines were prescribed in both cases with little effect. Findings of routine baseline investigations were normal in both cases. A radiograph of the upper limb in the second patient disclosed nothing abnormal. QUESTIONS: What is the most likely diagnosis for both patients?Venomous insect bites/stingsErythropoietic protoporphyriaIgE-mediated reactionMixed connective tissue diseaseComplement deficiencyWhich investigative approach will be most helpful?Complement function evaluationPhysical urticarial evaluationPorphyria work-upAutoantibody screenImmunodeficiency work-upHow would you manage these patients? <b<iAnswers can be found on page 02.</i</b

Roseola

Rash Once the febrile phase subsides, a rash develops. In some cases, the rash can present after one or two days after the fever resolves. The rash is classically described as an erythematous morbilliform exanthem and presents as a distribution of soft pink, discrete, and slightly raised lesions each with a 2-5mm diameter. It classically begins on the trunk (torso) and spreads outward to the neck, extremities, and face. This pattern is referred to as a centrifugal spread. Usually, peeling and itching are not characteristic of this rash. This phase can last anywhere from several hours to 2 days.

InternalMed_Harrison

Clinically, chickenpox presents as a rash, low-grade fever, and malaise, although a few patients develop a prodrome 1–2 days before onset of the exanthem. In the immunocompetent patient, chickenpox is usually a benign illness associated with lassitude and with body temperatures of 37.8°–39.4°C (100°–103°F) of 3–5 days’ duration. The skin lesions—the hallmark of the infection—include maculopapules, vesicles, and scabs in various stages of evolution (Fig. 217-1). These lesions, which evolve from maculopapules to vesicles over hours to days, appear on the trunk and face and rapidly spread to involve other areas of the body. Most are small and have an erythematous base with a diameter of 5–10 mm. Successive crops appear over a 2to 4-day period. Lesions can also be found on the mucosa of the pharynx and/or the vagina. Their severity varies from one person to another. Some individuals have very few lesions, while others have as many as 2000. Younger children tend to have fewer vesicles than

Diffuse exanthema in a patient receiving varenicline.

A diffuse exanthema in a patient receiving varenicline is reported. A 71-year-old white woman, who was initially admitted to the hospital for elective vascular bypass surgery, had a three-day history of a diffuse rash, severe itching, and moderate headache. Her symptoms started two days before her admission. She denied having a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and flulike symptoms. She also denied having had contact with anyone who was ill, tick or insect bites, exposure to cats, or any changes in her diet, habits, or personal hygiene. Her medical problems included peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. In addition to several medications she had been taking for over 2 years, she had been taking varenicline as an aid for smoking cessation for eight days. The patient had been smoking for 40 years. The bright-red rash covered 70% of her torso and four extremities. She had mild swelling in her cheeks, but not on the eyelids or lips. Both of her lungs were clear on auscultation, with distant breath sounds caused by her COPD. Varenicline was discontinued, and her symptoms had completely resolved by the eighth day following discontinuation of the medication. While it is possible that other medications caused her symptoms, she had been taking most of them for over 2 years and all of them for over 1 year. Also, continuation of these drugs did not prevent her symptoms from resolving, nor did it cause a recurrence of the skin reaction. A patient developed diffuse exanthema after being treated with varenicline.

Witchcraft's syndrome: Munchausen's syndrome by proxy.

A 28-year-old man presented to the Dermatology Outpatient Department with a complaint of a burning sensation and soreness over his left cheek and left ear of 10 days duration. It had started suddenly one morning when he woke up from sleep. He noticed a large blister with intense redness over his left cheek, associated with a burning sensation. There was a history of similar episodes over the past year, and all were sudden in onset, involved the cheeks, and were noticed after waking up from sleep. The patient volunteered that the episodes were always associated with a drinking spree the previous night. The individual was a healthy man with a wife and two children. The patient had been dependent on alcohol for the past year, and had been consuming alcohol for many years. On examination, there was an eschar occupying almost the entire cheek, with a few scattered lesions over the left tragus and left external ear. Peripheral scarring was noted with hyperpigmentation. While the angle of the mouth was superficially involved on the left side, the oral mucosa was normal. The right cheek also showed a few areas of scarring with patches of alopecia. There were no similar lesions elsewhere on the body. The peculiar history and the morphology of the lesion, that defied any classical diagnosis description, prompted us to interrogate both the man and his wife with regard to any serious differences. After much persuasion and on assurance of secrecy, the wife admitted that her husband was an alcoholic and was neglecting his family. When her efforts to prevent his drinking failed, she resorted to this drastic measure. Each time he passed out after a drinking bout, she poured acid on his cheek, hoping that the sequelae would frighten him from drinking. The acid was readily available to her as she used it for domestic cleaning. The couple were sent for psychiatric evaluation as Munchausen's syndrome by proxy (MSBP) or witchcraft's syndrome (WS) was suspected. Detailed psychiatric evaluation, together with psychometric assessment, revealed that the patient had an alcohol dependence (Axis-I diagnosis) and had a cyclothymic personality. Severe marital discord due to alcohol dependence had been present for the past 2 years. Evaluation of the patient's wife revealed that she was under significant psychologic distress. She showed major depressive symptoms with a histrionic personality. She revealed that she had resorted to using the corrosive out of frustration and anger over the behavior of the patient while he was in an inebriated state. The couple are currently undergoing psychiatric treatment.

Multiple cystic disease: K17 dysfunction?

Our patient is a 29-year-old woman without any previous disease who presented with different kinds of lesions on her face, neck, and chest. She first noticed the lesions 10 years ago and, since that time, they have become more numerous. She has no affected relatives. On physical examination, she had multiple cystic lesions on her neck, chest, and vulva, which were between 0.3 cm and 1 cm and skin-colored or yellowish (Figure 1). She presented with small, white papules on her face measuring approximately 0.2 cm, localized on her forehead and cheeks. Some of these papules had a blueish appearance (Figure 2). She also presented clinically typical eruptive syringomas on her upper and lower eyelids and neck and multiple facial milia. Finally, a sacrococcygeal pilonidal cyst was diagnosed and surgically removed. Her nails and teeth were clinically normal. Biopsies of each kind of lesion were performed, with the following results: (1) neck cystic lesion: steatocystoma; (2) small, white facial papule: eccrine hidrocystoma; (3) blueish facial papule: apocrine hidrocystoma; and (4) small neck papule: syringoma (Figure 3). With these findings, our diagnosis was steatocystoma multiplex with multiple eccrine and apocrine hidrocystomas, eruptive syringomas, and sacrococcygeal pilonidal cyst.

Trichotillomania: Bizzare Patern of Hair Loss at 11-Year-old Girl.

Trichotillomania (TTM) is defined by the Diagnostics and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DMS-IV) as hair loss from a patient`s repetitive self-pulling of hair. The disorder is included under anxiety disorders because it shares some obsessive-compulsive features. Patients have the tendency towards feelings of unattractiveness, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem (1,2). It is a major psychiatric problem, but many patients with this disorder first present to a dermatologist. An 11-year-old girl came to our department with a 2-month history of diffuse hair loss on the frontoparietal and parietotemporal area (Figure 1). She had originally been examined by a pediatrician with the diagnosis of alopecia areata. The patient`s personal history included hay fever and shortsightedness, and she suffered from varicella and mononucleosis. Nobody in the family history suffered from alopecia areata, but her father has male androgenetic alopecia (Norwood/Hamilton MAGA C3F3). The mother noticed that the child had had changeable mood for about 2 months and did not want to communicate with other persons in the family. The family did not have any pet at home. At school, her favorite subjects were Math and Computer Studies. She did not like Physical Education and did not participate in any sport activities during her free time. This was very strange because she was obese (body-mass index (BMI) 24.69). She was sometimes angry with her 13-year-old sister who had better results at school. The girl had suddenly started to wear a blue scarf. The parents did not notice that she pulled out her hair at home. Dermatological examination of the capillitium found a zone of incomplete alopecia in the frontoparietal and parietotemporal area, without inflammation, desquamation, and scaring. Hairs were of variable length (Figure 1). There was a patch of incomplete alopecia above the forehead between two stripes of hair of variable length (Figure 2). The hair pull test was negative along the edges of the alopecia. Mycological examination from the skin capillitium was negative. The trichoscopy and skin biopsy of the parietotemporal region of the capillitium (Figure 3) confirmed trichotillomania. Laboratory tests (blood count, iron, ferritin, transferrin, selenium, zinc, vitamin B12, folic acid, serology and hormones of thyroid gland) were negative. We referred the girl for ophthalmologic and psychological examination. Ophthalmologic examination proved that there was no need to add any more diopters. The psychological examination provided us with a picture in which she drew her family (Figure 4). The strongest authority in the family was the mother because she looked after the girls for most of the day. She was in the first place in the picture. The father had longer working hours and spent more time outside the home. He worked as a long vehicle driver. He was in the second place in the picture. There was sibling rivalry between the girls, but the parents did not notice this problem and preferred the older daughter. She was successful at school and was prettier (slim, higher, curly brown hair, without spectacles). Our 11-years-old patient noticed all these differences between them, but at her level of mental development was not able to cope with this problem. She wanted to be her sister's equal. The sister is drawn in the picture in the third place next to father, while the patient's own figure was drawn larger and slim even though she was obese. Notably, all three female figures had very nice long brown hair. It seemed that the mother and our patient had better quality of hair and more intense color than the sister in the drawing. The only hairless person in the picture was the father. The girl did not want to talk about her problems and feelings at home. Then it was confirmed that our patient was very sensitive, anxious, willful, and withdrawn. She was interested in her body and very perceptive of her physical appearance. From the psychological point of view, the parents started to pay more interest to their younger daughter and tried to understand and help her. After consultation with the psychiatrist, we did not start psychopharmacologic therapy for trichotillomania; instead, we started treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy, mild shampoo, mild topical steroids (e.g. hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%) in solution and methionine in capsules. With parents' cooperation, the treatment was successful. The name trichotillomania was first employed by the French dermatologist Francois Henri Hallopeau in 1889, who described a young man pulling his hair out in tufts (3-5). The word is derived from the Greek thrix (hair), tillein (to pull), and mania (madness) (5). The prevalence of TTM in the general adult population ranges from 0.6% to 4%, and 2-4% of the general psychiatric outpatient population meet the criteria for TTM (2-5). The prevalence among children and adolescents has been estimated at less than 1% (5). The disease can occur at any age and in any sex. The age of onset of hair pulling is significantly later for men than for women (3). There are three subsets of age: preschool children, preadolescents to young adults, and adults. The mean age of onset is pre-pubertal. It ranges from 8 to 13 years (on average 11.3 years) (2-5). The occurrence of hair-pulling in the first year of life is a rare event, probably comprising <1% of cases (5). The etiology of TTM is complex and may be triggered by a psychosocial stressor within the family, such as separation from an attachment figure, hospitalization of the child or parent, birth of a younger sibling, sibling rivalry, moving to a new house, or problems with school performance. It has been hypothesized that the habit may begin with "playing" with the hair, with later chronic pulling resulting in obvious hair loss (2). Environment is a factor because children usually pull their hair when alone and in relaxed surroundings. The bedroom, bathroom, or family room are "high-risk" situations for hair-pulling (5). Men and women also differed in terms of the hair pulling site (men pull hair from the stomach/back and the moustache/beard areas, while women pull from the scalp) (3). Pulling hair from siblings, pets, dolls, and stuffed animals has also been documented, often occurring in the same pattern as in the patient (5). Genetic factors contributing to the development of TTM are mutations of the SLITRK1 gene, which plays a role in cortex development and neuronal growth. The protein SAPAP3 has been present in 4.2% of TTM cases and patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may be involved in the development of the spectrum of OCD. A significantly different concordance rate for TTM was found in monozygotic (38.1%) compared with dizygotic (0%) twins in 34 pairs (3). The core diagnostic feature is the repetitive pulling of hairs from one`s own body, resulting in hair loss. The targeted hair is mostly on the scalp (75%), but may also be from the eyebrows (42%), eyelashes (53%), beard (10%), and pubic area (17%) (3,5). There are three subtypes of hair pulling - early onset, automatic, and focused. Diagnostic criteria for TTM according to DSM-IV criteria are (2,3,5): 1) recurrent pulling of one`s hair resulting in noticeable hair loss; 2) an increasing sense of tension immediately prior to pulling out the hair or when attempting to resist the behavior; 3) pleasure, gratification, or relief when pulling out the hair; 4) the disturbance is not better accounted for by another mental disorder and is not due to a general medical condition (e.g., a dermatologic condition); 5) the disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The differential diagnosis includes alopecia areata (Table 1) (6), tinea capitis, telogen effluvium, secondary syphilis, traction alopecia, loose anagen syndrome, lichen planopilaris, alopecia mucinosa, and scleroderma (2-5). Biopsy of an involved area (ideally from a recent site of hair loss) can help to confirm the diagnosis (5). On histologic examination, there are typically increased numbers of catagen and telogen hairs without evidence of inflammation. Chronic hair pulling induces a catagen phase, and more hairs will be telogen hairs. Pigment casts and empty anagen follicles are often seen. Perifollicular hemorrhage near the hair bulb is an indicator of TTM (2). Complications of TTM are rare, but they comprise secondary bacterial infections with regional lymphadenopathy as a result of picking and scratching at the scalp. Many patients play with and ingest the pulled hairs (e.g. touching the hair to lips, biting, and chewing). Trichophagia (ingestion of the hair) can lead to a rare complication named trichobezoar (a "hair ball" in stomach). This habit is present in approximately 5% to 30% of adult patients, but it is less frequent in children. Patient with trichophagia present with pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss. Radiologic examination and gastroscopy should not be delayed (2,4,5). The management of the disease is difficult and requires strong cooperation between the physician, patient, and parents. The dermatologist cannot take part in the therapy, strictly speaking, but without the psychological, psychopharmacologic, and topic dermatologic treatment a vicious circle will be perpetuated.

Kawasaki disease

The most common skin manifestation is a diffuse macular-papular erythematous rash, which is quite nonspecific. The rash varies over time and is characteristically located on the trunk; it may further spread to involve the face, extremities, and perineum. Many other forms of cutaneous lesions have been reported; they may include scarlatiniform, papular, urticariform, multiform-like erythema, and purpuric lesions; even micropustules were reported. It can be polymorphic, not itchy, and normally observed up to the fifth day of fever. However, it is never bullous or vesicular.

A red face in a lupus patient: thinking beyond lupus rash.

A 61-year-old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus presented with a facial rash followed by fever. The diagnosis of lupus flare was made by the general practioner who prescribed corticosteroids. The evolution was unfavorable and the patient was hospitalized. On admission, she presented with high fever and a sharply demarcated papular erythema overlying her cheeks. Biology was inflammatory with elevated C-reactive protein, sedimentation rate and leucocyte count. The diagnosis of erysipelas of the face was made on the basis of the malar and non pruritic papular erythema, fever, the high C-reactive protein levels and the absence of response to corticosteroids. The evolution was favorable under intravenous antibiotics and rapid tapering of the corticosteroids. To our knowledge, this is the first report of facial erysipelas in a patient with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus. This coincidence is a rare condition which may lead to erroneous diagnosis and inappropriate therapy.

[Viral exanthem].

The most frequent cause of exanthematous diseases are viral infections, which provoke skin alterations either directly or via the reaction of the immune system. In many distinct parainfectious clinical pictures, several viruses from quite different groups are able to produce a specific exanthem. Dominant pathogens for exanthematous diseases include non-polio enteroviruses, respiratory viruses, Epstein-Barr virus, HHV-6 and HHV-7 viruses as well as parvovirus B19. In many cases exanthemata present with maculate or maculopapular features in disseminated distribution. Some exanthematous diseases exhibit typical predilection sites. In addition to the clinical picture, diagnosis is based on the patient's history, observation of the patient's general condition, awareness of the season in the year, and physical examination. In uncertain cases and for scientific studies, blood analysis, smear tests, and histological investigation confirm the diagnosis. Knowledge of exanthematous disease, which usually run harmless course, is essential for differentiation of life-threatening disorders. This article presents exanthematous viral diseases depending on age at primary manifestation.

Diagnostic Delays for Non-melanoma Skin Cancers in Renal Transplant Recipients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: What is Hiding Behind the Mask?

Dear Editor, The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, and remains a global challenge. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets and aerosols. Even though the COVID-19 vaccine has become available since December 2020, the main preventive measures still include social distancing, hand washing, and the use of protective face masks. By May 22, 2021, 3,437,545 deaths caused by SARS-CoV-2 have been registered by WHO, confirming the burden of this disease (1). Consequently, the pandemic has become a challenge for health care systems, as they had to be focused on the care of patients with COVID-19. During the first lockdown from March to May 2020, it was advised to postpone clinical visits whenever this could be done without risk. This recommendation was mainly aimed at older patients and those with chronic diseases, as it has been shown that they are at greater risk for complications from COVID-19. Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are at a greater risk for infections and different cancers due to their permanent immunosuppressive therapy. The most common malignancies in RTRs are skin cancers, particularly non-melanoma skin cancers. It has been estimated that RTRs have a 65-250 times higher risk for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 10 times higher risk for basal cell carcinoma, and 2-5 times higher risk for melanoma when compared with the general population (2-4). RTRs are at a higher risk for complications from COVID-19, not only because of their immunosuppressive therapy but also because of different comorbidities, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus (5). Therefore, RTRs tend to limit their medical visits and postpone clinical examinations for skin cancer screenings. Moreover, during clinical visits the patients are commonly asked to keep their protective masks on, increasing the risk of overlooking their facial skin changes. Herein we present two RTRs who developed skin cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the tumors were diagnosed with a significant delay. Patient 1 A 67-year-old woman with unknown primary kidney disease received a renal allograft from a deceased donor in 2014. The immunosuppressive protocol included antithymocyte globulin induction with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroid maintenance. In January 2020, she had noticed a reddish squamous lesion on her right cheek, which enlarged slowly. Since there were no other symptoms, she postponed the dermatologic examination. Additionally, she further postponed the visit to her physician during the pandemic as she wanted to avoid social contact as much as possible. One year later, at the nephrologist's examination, she was asked to take off her face mask for a skin check, and two skin tumors on her right cheek were noticed (Figure 1). One lesion was located at the angle of her mandible and presented as a hypertrophic, sharply marginated lesion with central crusting and a diameter of 2 cm. The other lesion was at the right zygomatic region and appeared as a scaly, erythematous lesion with a diameter of 7 mm. The patient was referred to a dermatologist, and a biopsy of both lesions was indicated. The pathohistological analysis revealed cutaneous SCC in situ for the mandibular lesion and actinic keratosis for the zygomatic lesion. SCC in situ has been excised, and actinic keratosis was treated by cryosurgery. Patient 2 A 66-year-old woman received a renal allograft from a deceased donor in 2010 due to chronic glomerulonephritis without biopsy. The immunosuppressive protocol included basiliximab induction with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroid maintenance. In June 2020, an erosion occurred at her left infraocular area and did not heal but instead gradually enlarged. The patient suspected that the "wound" developed due to the friction from the rim of her eyeglasses. Six months later, the nephrologist noticed the erosion which was 10×5 mm in size with a slightly elevated, pearl-colored margin (Figure 2). The patient was referred to a dermatologist who indicated tumor excision due to suspected basal cell carcinoma. The pathohistological analysis confirmed the clinical diagnosis. DISCUSSION Both presented patients did not inform their family physicians about their skin changes because they avoided all non-nephrological medical visits during the pandemic. The additional reason for the diagnostic delay was the fact that they kept the masks on their faces during most examinations, with the skin lesions behind the mask consequently remaining unnoticed. The problem of diagnostic delay of skin cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic has been recognized by several studies. Canadian authors compared the number of biopsies for skin cancers during the first 15 weeks in 2020 and during the same period in 2019. They found a decrease in the number of biopsies for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and melanoma of 18% and 27%, respectively (6). A multicenter study performed in northern-central Italy showed that the number of skin cancer (NMSC and melanoma) diagnoses fell by 56.7% in weeks 11 to 20 of 2020 compared with the average number noted in the same periods of 2018 and 2019 (7). Furthermore, a single-center retrospective study in Italy demonstrated that the number of advanced skin cancers surgically treated between May 18 and November 18, 2020, was significantly higher than in the same period in 2019. These findings led the authors to conclude that the surgical excisions were postponed due to the delay in follow-ups, which resulted in increased incidence of advanced skin cancers (8). RTRs are at particular risk of severe consequences from diagnostic delay with regard to skin cancers. Namely, skin cancers in RTRs are more aggressive and are associated with a higher incidence rate of metastases and recurrences than in the general population (9). Therefore, RTRs should be advised to regularly check their skin for potential skin cancer, which includes self-examinations and dermatologic follow-ups.

Rubella

Signs and symptoms Rubella has symptoms similar to those of flu. However, the primary symptom of rubella virus infection is the appearance of a rash (exanthem) on the face which spreads to the trunk and limbs and usually fades after three days, which is why it is often referred to as three-day measles. The facial rash usually clears as it spreads to other parts of the body. Other symptoms include low-grade fever, swollen glands (sub-occipital and posterior cervical lymphadenopathy), joint pains, headache, and conjunctivitis.

Frey syndrome following herpes zoster in an otherwise healthy girl.

A 12-year-old girl presented with red spots appearing on the left side of her face. The girl was usually healthy and fully vaccinated, including varicella vaccination.Six years prior to her presentation, she had suffered an episode of blister rash on the left side of her face, including lesions in the ear canal and buccal mucous membrane. A diagnosis of herpes zoster was made, and she was treated with acyclovir with complete skin recovery. A hearing examination demonstrated mild-to-moderate left neurosensory hearing loss.Since then, she is having short episodes of redness on her face without pain or sweating at the exact distribution of the zoster blisters 6 years ago. The appearance of spots is related to sour foods, such as sour flavoured candies, yoghourt and green apples. The diagnosis of postherpetic Frey syndrome was made, and observational approach was adopted due to the benign character of symptoms.

[A Case of Dengue Fever and Subsequent Long-lasting Depression Accompanied by Alopecia in a Japanese Traveler Returning from Bali, Indonesia].

Recovery from dengue fever is generally rapid and uneventful. However, recuperation is often prolonged and may be accompanied by noticeable depression. We present herein on a traveler to Indonesia who developed long-lasting depression after the classic symptoms of dengue fever such as fever, arthralgia, and macropapular rash had resolved. A previously healthy 42-year old japanese woman presented to the Travel Clinic of Seirei Yokohama Hospital with complaints of 4 days of fever, joint aches, bone pain, and a macropapular rash on her torso. She had returned from Bali 5 days previously. During her 1-week stay, one day was spent in rural, mountainous areas where she was exposed to several mosquito bites. The 1st serum sample collected 4 days after the disease onset gave positive result in the rapid dengue IgM antibody test and the rapid dengue NS1 antigen immunechromatographic test. The DENV-1 genome was detected with RT-PCR. Her 13-year old son, who had accompanied her, was also diagnosed as having dengue fever and he recovered without event. The Above-mentioned symptoms resolved within one week. However, the patient suffered from prolonged depression. She also noticed loss of hair 3 months after the disease onset Administration of a Serotonin-Noradrenalin Reuptake Inhibitor and a minor tranquillizer required to allow her requied to lead a normal life. Although she gradually felt better, it took approximately 2 years until she had recovered completely without taking any antidepressant and minor tranquillizer. It is a well-known fact in endemic countries that dengue fever could have an significant impact on the patients' mental well-being. However, it appears that physicians in non-endemic countries are not fully aware of the prolonged depression, which can occur subsequent to the acute illness. Follow-up consultations of returing travelers who have recoverd from dengu fever should be arranged to monitor their mental and emotional states closely.