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[Borrelial erythema of the face].
M de Heller-Milev1, O Peter, R-G Panizzon
1Service de dermatologie et vénérologie, centre hospitalier universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Suisse.
Annales De Dermatologie Et De Venereologie
|December 17, 2008
Summary
This case report details an unusual facial erythema caused by Borrelia afzelii infection. This presentation expands the known skin manifestations of Lyme disease, highlighting a distinct form of cutaneous borreliosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Cutaneous borreliosis, a tick-borne illness, typically presents as chronic migratory erythema, borrelial lymphocytoma, or acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans.
- These classifications encompass the majority of skin manifestations associated with Borrelia infection.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old woman presented with a mediofacial erythema extending to the neck and chin, unresponsive to rosacea treatment.
- Skin biopsy revealed an inflammatory dermal infiltrate with plasma cells, suggesting an infectious etiology.
- Diagnosis was confirmed as Borrelia afzelii infection via positive serology and PCR on skin biopsy.
Findings:
- The patient's mediofacial erythema did not fit into the established categories of cutaneous borreliosis.
- Histopathological examination and molecular confirmation identified Borrelia afzelii as the causative agent.
Implications:
- Facial erythema, particularly in endemic regions, should be considered a potential manifestation of cutaneous borreliosis.
- This case suggests a unique presentation of Borrelia infection that warrants inclusion in the differential diagnosis of facial dermatoses.
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