Early-onset Sulzberger-Garbe dermatosis: a rare pediatric case report

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pediatric Dermatology
• Histopathology

Background:

• Sulzberger-Garbe dermatosis is a rare condition typically affecting adult males.
• Recurrent eczematous eruptions in children can present diagnostic challenges.
• Chronic pruritic dermatoses require thorough investigation to rule out various conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of Sulzberger-Garbe dermatosis in an adolescent.
• To emphasize the importance of considering this diagnosis in pediatric patients with refractory eczema.
• To highlight the diagnostic approach for chronic pruritic dermatoses in adolescents.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case presentation of a 14-year-old patient with chronic eczematous eruptions.
• Physical examination to assess skin lesions.
• Laboratory testing including complete blood count with differential.
• Histopathological examination of a skin biopsy specimen.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with erythematous, infiltrated plaques with erosions and dyspigmentation on extensor surfaces.
• Mild relative eosinophilia was noted in the complete blood count.
• Histopathology confirmed acute eczema consistent with Sulzberger-Garbe dermatosis.

Conclusions:

• Sulzberger-Garbe dermatosis can manifest in adolescents, contrary to its classical description in adult males.
• Adolescents with chronic, pruritic dermatoses unresponsive to standard treatments should be evaluated for Sulzberger-Garbe dermatosis.
• A comprehensive differential diagnosis, including allergy screening and histopathology, is vital for accurate diagnosis.