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10-Year-Old Male with Spreading Itchy Eruption

Can you diagnose this case?

David L. Kaplan, MD, University of Missouri Kansas City, University of Kansas, Consultant.

Signs and Symptoms

A 10-year-old male presented for a rapidly spreading tender and itchy eruption on his face and trunk of 3 to 4 days duration. He is otherwise healthy.

How would you diagnose this eruption?

Choose one to reveal diagnosis and discussion

Cellulitis
Folliculitis, bacterial
Folliculitis, Candida
Bullous impetigo
Contact dermatitis

Answer: Bullous impetigo

See the full case at Consultant360

Bullous impetigo is typically due to a staphylococcal infection. Bullous impetigo usually consists of small or large, superficial, fragile bullae. The lesions spread locally in the face, trunk, extremities, buttocks, or perineal regions through direct autoinoculation.

This infection responds rapidly to appropriate antibiotic therapy; it is recommended to treat for the staphylococcal nasal carrier to prevent recurrence.