Autoimmune estrogen dermatitis in an infertile female

Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2017 Jun;36(2):195-198. doi: 10.1080/15569527.2016.1245197. Epub 2016 Nov 2.

Abstract

Autoimmune estrogen dermatitis is a cyclical cutaneous eruption that occurs premenstrually and goes to the rapid resolution within a few days of menstrual cycles. The disorder has variable clinical manifestations consisting of macules, papules, vesicles, urticarial lesions, bullae, eczematous plaques, and erythema multiforme-like lesions. Herein, we present a case of a 30-year-old woman with attacks of edema and erosions involving the oral and genital mucosal sites on every first day of her menstruation period. She had also multiple endocrinological problems such as hypotroidism and infertility. To determine the sex hormon sensitivity, intradermal skin tests were performed. Based on her personal history and skin test findings, a diagnosis of autoimmune estrogen dermatitis was made. After the oophorectomy, she was free from the skin and mucosal symptoms. We propose that it is important to suspect the diagnosis of autoimmune estrogen dermatitis in patients who present with recurrent cylic eruptions and it must be kept in mind that these patients might have a concomitant infertility.

Keywords: Estrogen; autoimmunity; dermatitis; infertililty.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy
  • Biopsy
  • Dermatitis / complications
  • Dermatitis / diagnosis*
  • Dermatitis / immunology
  • Dermatitis / therapy
  • Estrogen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Estrogens / immunology*
  • Female
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / analogs & derivatives
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / complications*
  • Infertility / complications*
  • Leuprolide / adverse effects
  • Leuprolide / therapeutic use
  • Menstrual Cycle / immunology*
  • Mouth Mucosa / immunology
  • Ovariectomy
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Tests
  • Tamoxifen / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Estrogen Antagonists
  • Estrogens
  • Tamoxifen
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Leuprolide