An Accountant on a Weight-Loss Program Has a Rash, Poor Sleep

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The Case Challenge series includes difficult-to-diagnose conditions, some of which are not frequently encountered by most clinicians but are nonetheless important to accurately recognize. Test your diagnostic and treatment skills using the following patient scenario and corresponding questions. If you have a case that you would like to suggest for a future Case Challenge, please contact us.

Background

A 43-year-old man presents to the dermatology clinic with a rash that affects both axillae. The rash began about a week ago (Figure 1). He complains of severe, intense itching but denies the presence of pain or burning. The patient states that he also has diffuse itching on the trunk and extremities. His symptoms have progressively worsened.

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Figure 1.

He has no history of fever, chills, malaise, or recent travels. He reports no history of exposure to known sick contacts, recent hiking, or outdoor activities. He is an accountant and lives with his wife and two school-aged children who have not experienced similar symptoms or rashes. He denies any recent changes in household detergents, soaps, or shampoos.

He acknowledges that he is overweight and had signed up for a weight-loss workout program 3 weeks ago. Despite expressing his discomfort about having to wear workout clothes, he has experienced significant progress in mood and energy levels. However, his intense itching is substantially decreasing his quality of sleep.

He has no family history of eczema or asthma. His past medical history is significant for chickenpox in childhood and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Several months ago, he was diagnosed with hyperlipidemia for which he received simvastatin therapy. His other current medications include fluticasone nasal spray as needed and ibuprofen for occasional joint pain.

Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Melba Estrella, John Plante, Andraia Li, et. al. Dermatology Case Challenge: An Accountant on a Weight-Loss Program Has a Rash, Poor Sleep - Medscape - Jan 24, 2023.

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