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Erythrokeratoderma variabilis: case report and review of the literature

R C Knipe1, F P Flowers, F R Johnson

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555, USA.

Pediatric Dermatology
|March 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

This case study presents a 5-month-old boy with erythrokeratoderma variabilis, a rare skin condition. Topical retinoic acid treatment was ineffective for the fluctuating erythematous plaques.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Genodermatoses

Background:

  • Erythrokeratoderma variabilis (EKV) is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis.
  • It is characterized by transient erythematous (red) and hyperkeratotic (thickened skin) plaques.
  • EKV presents with significant clinical variability, even within families.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case of erythrokeratoderma variabilis in a 5-month-old infant.
  • To highlight the clinical presentation and course of the condition.
  • To discuss the limited efficacy of topical retinoic acid in this case.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical case presentation.
  • Observation of disease progression over hours to days.
  • Review of existing literature on erythrokeratoderma variabilis.

Main Results:

  • A 5-month-old boy exhibited asymptomatic, erythematous plaques.
  • The skin lesions demonstrated rapid changes in morphology and distribution.
  • Topical retinoic acid therapy did not resolve the plaques.

Conclusions:

  • Erythrokeratoderma variabilis can manifest in early infancy.
  • The fluctuating nature of lesions is a key diagnostic feature.
  • Treatment options for EKV may require further investigation beyond topical retinoic acid.

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