Atypical pompholyx presentation of secondary Staphyloccoccus and Klebsiella infections in a patient with premorbid Ebstein anomaly: A case report

Abstract

Rationale: Pompholyx refers to pruritic vesicles or bullous rash that mainly distribute on the palms and lateral surfaces of the fingers. It is less common among Asians, and in a severe condition, secondary bacterial infection of pompholyx can happen and result in pain, swelling and pustules. Patient concerns: A 15-year-old girl complained of progressive wound and small bumps containing yellowish pus and crusts on her hands and feet for over 6 months and worsened in the last month before admission. She also had Ebstein anomaly. Diagnosis: Atypical pompholyx with secondary Staphylococcus and Klebsiella infections. Interventions: Wound care with wet dressing and applying moisturizer on crusts, application of antibiotics for Gram positive and negative bacteria and giving nutritional support with reckoning of proper calories. Outcomes: Skin lesions were completely healed and the patient was discharged after 10 days of hospitalization. Lessons: Atypical manifestation of pompholyx makes it hard to diagnose. The diagnosis can be confirmed with meticulous history-taking and physical examination. Wound caring and controlling of the infection should be done to earn an optimal outcome.

Keywords

• pompholyx; ebstein anomaly; klebsiella; staphylococcus