Work

When Normal Flora Turns Pathogenic: A Pediatric Case of Infectious Eczematoid Dermatitis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Infectious eczematoid dermatitis (IED) is a rare and often underrecognized inflammatory skin condition, particularly in pediatric patients. We present the case of a previously healthy 12-year-old Hispanic child with erythematous, scaly, and pruritic plaques involving the tragus, antitragus, external auditory meatus and lobule of both ears. The lesions were initially treated with topical fluocinolone acetonide prescribed by an otolaryngologist, without clinical improvement. Upon evaluation in our dermatology clinic, a skin culture revealed Staphylococcus epidermidis as the causative organism. The patient was treated with ciprofloxacin, selected based on antibiotic sensitivity, along with mometasone furoate 0.1% cream to address both infectious and inflammatory components. On follow-up, the lesions showed improvement; however, the patient was later lost to follow-up. This case highlights the need to consider IED in children with refractory eczematous eruptions.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.84359

Authors: Itzamar Pastrana Echevarria, Alejandra M Figueroa Moreda, Maria G Rodríguez Martínez, Nestor Sánchez Colón

Institutions: Central University of the Caribbean, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, Ponce Health Sciences University

Language: English

Topic: Dermatology and Skin Diseases

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410474874