EXFOLIATIVE DERMATITIS SECONDARY TO THYMOMA: A RARE ASSOCIATION

*Dr. Malumani Malan BSc HB, MB. Ch B(UNZA), Professor Song Ji Quan and Dr. Meng Xiang-Yu

ABSTRACT

Exfoliative dermatitis (ED), also referred to as erythroderma, is a scaling erythematous dermatitis involving 90% or more of the cutaneous surface. In ED the rate of epidermal turnover, the number of germinative cells, and their absolute mitotic rate are increased. ED is most commonly idiopathic, but may also be secondary to pre-existing dermatoses; drug-eruptions or atopic dermatitis, drug reactions and malignancies .Chinese herbal drugs have also been implicated. This is a case report of a 36year old Chinese female with Exfoliative dermatitis secondary to recurring thymoma stage IIIB with background history of Myasthenia gravis. The case highlights the rare association of thymic tumours with Exfoliative dermatitis and also reminds clinicians to aggressively evaluate patients for possible malignancies in cases of unexplained causes of exfoliative dermatitis.

Keywords: exfoliative dermatitis, erythroderma, thymoma, myasthenia gravis.