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Updated: May 2, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
A 1-year-old boy with persistent, generalized eruption. Urticaria pigmentosa
Insights
A rare pediatric skin condition causes widespread pink-brown lesions in infants. These lesions can flare after mild illnesses and develop into itchy wheals when irritated.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- A healthy 1-year-old boy presented with a widespread skin eruption starting at 3 months of age.
- The child was otherwise asymptomatic, meeting developmental milestones, with no significant family history.
Observation:
- The eruption consisted of numerous pink-brown macules and papules on the trunk, extremities, neck, and face.
- Lesions occasionally became red and pruritic, with flares noted after mild illnesses.
- Stroking the lesions induced rapid development of erythematous, edematous wheals.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation suggests a specific dermatological condition characterized by inducible urticarial responses.
- The absence of systemic symptoms and unremarkable physical exam findings aid in differential diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing unusual pediatric dermatoses.
- Further investigation may be warranted to determine the exact etiology and optimal management for such presentations.
Abstract:
A healthy 1-year-old boy born at full term after an uncomplicated pregnancy presented to the dermatology clinic for a widespread eruption with gradual onset since 3 months of age. He was otherwise well, afebrile, feeding well, and gaining weight appropriately. The child was overall asymptomatic, though some of his lesions occasionally became red and pruritic. His mother noticed that after mild illnesses, he was more prone to these flares. She denied flushing, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and irritability. He was meeting all developmental milestones and started walking at 11 months of age. The remainder of his review of systems was unremarkable, and family history was noncontributory. Physical exam revealed a well-appearing, well-nourished, playful, and interactive toddler. There were innumerable discrete and coalescing pink-brown macules and papules concentrated on the trunk and extending onto the proximal upper and lower extremities bilaterally, as well as the neck and lower face. Stroking the lesions quickly led to development of erythematous edematous wheals. There was no hepatosplenomegaly, and the lymph node exam was unremarkable.
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