A Hyperpigmented Reticular Rash in a Patient on Peritoneal Dialysis. Issue 6 (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: South, Andrew M.; Crispin, Milene K.; Marqueling, Ann L.; Sutherland, Scott M.
• Is Part Of: Peritoneal dialysis international. Volume 36:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 699
• Page End: 700
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Heating pad -- skin eruption -- erythema ab igne -- skin cancer; Peritoneal dialysis -- Periodicals; Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis -- Periodicals; 617.461059
• DOI: 10.3747/pdi.2016.00042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0896-8608

Abstract

Chronically ill patients often develop uncommon exam findings. A 16-year-old female with end-stage renal disease secondary to immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis on peritoneal dialysis (PD) developed a pruritic, hyperpigmented reticular rash on her abdomen, sparing the PD catheter insertion site. The rash appeared approximately 6 weeks after initiating PD. She used a heating pad nightly during PD for dialysis drain pain. Testing for systemic and autoimmune disease was negative. She was referred to dermatology, where the diagnosis of erythema ab igne (EAI), a well-described but less well-known hyperpigmented reticular cutaneous eruption caused by chronic exposure to low levels of infrared heat, was confirmed. The eruption is typically painless but is often pruritic. Common sources of heat include fires, stoves, portable heaters, heating pads, and laptop computers. The association between EAI and PD is unknown. Our patient discontinued the heating pad and her rash resolved.