Cutaneous manifestations of defective host defenses

Those caring for children should recognize that cutaneous findings are common in children with host defense defects. Atopic dermatitis, recurrent or persistent pyodermas, candidiasis and lupus-like syndromes, should signal the possibility of host defense deficiencies. Particularly the findings of atopic dermatitis and recurrent skin abscesses should alert the clinician to determine serum IgE levels and neutrophil chemotaxis in such patients. The triad of generalized seborrheic dermatitis, failure to thrive, and diarrhea in an infant should bring to mind Leiner disease or severe combined immunodeficiency disease.