Two-month-old with diffuse erythema: A case report.
SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2025; 13:2050313X251377218.

Abstract

We present a case of a 2-month-old female with an acute onset and rapidly progressing diffuse erythroderma involving the scalp, face, neck folds, torso, and groin. She had a history of seborrheic and diaper dermatitis and developed a worsening rash that initially appeared as a "blister-like" lesion on the cheek. Examination revealed greasy yellow scaling and intertriginous erythema. Workup ruled out herpes simplex virus/varicella-zoster virus, and blood cultures grew presumed contaminant Staphylococcus epidermidis. She was treated empirically with antibiotics, antivirals, anti-fungals, and topical steroids. Dermatology suspected inverse psoriasis. The patient improved within 48 h of treatment. Diagnoses included inverse psoriasis, fungal diaper dermatitis with secondary bacterial infection, and possible early staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. This case emphasizes the diagnostic complexity of infantile erythroderma and the importance of a broad differential and multidisciplinary approach. Recognition of inverse psoriasis in this age group is crucial, especially in the setting of superimposed fungal and bacterial infections.

Authors+Show Affiliations

Metz A0009-0006-6457-657XDeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN, USA.
Cooper ADepartment of Pediatrics, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA.
Garst MDepartment of Pediatrics, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA.
Addis GDepartment of Pediatrics, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA.
Flesher S0000-0002-3208-7097Department of Pediatrics, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA.

Pub Type(s)

Case Reports
Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

41122509