The Molting Man: Anasarca-Induced Full-Body Desquamation

Cutis. 2022 Apr;109(4):221-223. doi: 10.12788/cutis.0493.

Abstract

Blisters and subsequent desquamation of the skin in the presence of acute edema is a well-known clinical phenomenon. In this case report, we describe a new variant that we have termed anasarca-induced desquamation in a 50-year-old man with molting of the entire cutaneous surface after acute edema, in a setting of 40-lb weight gain over 5 days. Laboratory workup for infectious causes and punch biopsies of skin lesions ruled out Stevens-Johnson syndrome and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, which have a similar clinical presentation to anasarca-induced desquamation. In patients with diffuse superficial desquamation in the setting of acute edema, anasarca-induced desquamation is worth investigating to avoid the use of corticosteroids and intravenous antibiotics in this inherently benign condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Edema / diagnosis
  • Edema / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molting
  • Skin / pathology
  • Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome*
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome* / etiology