Neutrophilic figurate erythema of infancy

Am J Dermatopathol. 1997 Aug;19(4):403-6. doi: 10.1097/00000372-199708000-00015.

Abstract

We describe a transient figurate erythema in an 11-month-old female infant with a 2-month history of arcuate and annular erythematous lesions localized on the face, trunk, and limbs. Constitutional symptoms were absent. Previous medical history was unremarkable. Full blood examination, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, antistreptolysin-O titer, anti-Ro, and anti-La antibodies were within normal limits or negative. Histologic examination revealed a superficial and deep perivascular and interstitial dermatitis constituted mostly of neutrophils and abundant nuclear dust. The lesions resolved spontaneously within a few months without scarring or atrophy. Recurrence has not occurred. This case suggests that figurate erythemas in infants rarely may disclose a neutrophilic histologic pattern, which must be differentiated from that of other neutrophilic dermatoses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / analysis
  • Antistreptolysin / analysis
  • Arm
  • Blood Sedimentation
  • Dermatitis / pathology
  • Erythema / pathology*
  • Facial Dermatoses / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Leg Dermatoses / pathology
  • Neutrophils / pathology*
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Thorax

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • SS-A antibodies
  • SS-B antibodies
  • Antistreptolysin