Catherine Barker

Jul 23, 2024 | mdedge.com | Catherine Barker

Recognizing cutaneous drug eruptions is important for treatment and prevention of recurrence. Fixed drug eruptions (FDEs) typically are harmless but can have major negative cosmetic consequences for patients. In its more severe forms, patients are at risk for widespread epithelial necrosis with accompanying complications. We report 1 patient with generalized FDE and 2 with generalized bullous FDE. We also discuss the recognition and treatment of the condition.

Apr 10, 2024 | mdedge.com | Sheryl Hoyer |Victor Medina |Víctor Medina |Catherine Barker |Joshua Cantos

An 83-year-old woman presented for evaluation of hyperkeratotic plaques on the medial and lateral aspects of the left heel (top). Physical examination also revealed onychodystrophy of the toenails on the halluces (bottom). A crusted friable plaque on the lower lip and white plaques with peripheral reticulation and erosions on the buccal mucosa also were present. The patient had a history of nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis, and hand dermatitis. She denied a history of cold sores.

Apr 8, 2024 | mdedge.com | Catherine Barker

Environmental Dermatology Publish date: April 8, 2024 Patients presenting with a linear, erythematous, blistering eruption may experience a sudden painful sunburn that seems to get worse rather than better with time. In warm climates, exposure to the common fig tree (Ficus carica) may be the culprit.

Apr 2, 2024 | mdedge.com | Catherine Barker |Dirk M. Elston

The patient was clinically diagnosed with erythema migrans. He did not recall a tick bite but spent a lot of time outdoors. He was treated with 10 days of doxycycline 100 mg twice daily with complete resolution of the rash. Lyme disease is a spirochete infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species complex and transmitted by the Ixodidae tick family.

May 2, 2023 | mdedge.com | Catherine Barker

Cutaneous ManifestationsCapsicum peppers are used worldwide in preparing spicy dishes. Their active ingredient—capsaicin—is used as a topical medicine to treat localized pain. Capsicum peppers can cause irritant contact dermatitis with symptoms of erythema, cutaneous burning, and itch.1Irritant contact dermatitis is a common occupational skin disorder. Many cooks have experienced the sting of a chili pepper after contact with the hands or eyes.