Dermatology online journal
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Dermatol. Online J. · Dec 2008
Case ReportsCutaneous manifestation of disseminated strongyloidiasis in a patient coinfected with HTLV-I.
Strongyloidiasis is a potentially lethal parasitic infection. Coinfection of a patient with human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) can lead to a more severe disease course and treatment-refractoriness. Here we report a patient coinfected with HTLV-I and Strongyloides stercoralis who developed disseminated, treatment-resistant disease. ⋯ The patient's immune dysregulation due to HTLV-I positivity likely contributed to her development of disseminated disease. Awareness of the interaction between HTLV-I and strongyloidiasis has important implications in terms of prognosis and treatment. Recognition of the cutaneous manifestations of disseminated disease can facilitate diagnosis and implementation of appropriate therapy.
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The genus Ficus belongs to the Moraceae (the mulberry family). Figs can cause irritant or phototoxic reactions. ⋯ Here, we present a case of phytophotodermatitis after contact with fig fruits and leaves. The vesicular dermatitis was primarily located in areas of vitiligo.
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Tungiasis is a cutaneous infestation caused by the burrowing flea, Tunga penetrans. This infection typically results in the development of one or more wart-like fibrous papulonodules. The causative flea is endogenous to Central and South America, sub-Sarahan Africa and portions of India; consequently, tungiasis is rarely reported in North America. ⋯ Significant history included travel to Tanzania during three months immediately prior to presentation. Following the presumptive clinical diagnosis of tungiasis, surgical removal of the flea and its contents was performed and the base of the lesion was curetted, without complication. The specimen was sent for histopathologic correlation which confirmed the diagnosis.