Neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis in a patient of acute myeloid leukemia on chemotherapy with cytarabine

Abstract

Neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis (NEH) is a dermatosis affecting the eccrine glands in particular characterized by acute, self-limited, inflammatory papules and plaques and has been commonly described in patients with cancer – particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) – who are on chemotherapy. We present the case of a febrile neutropenic patient receiving chemotherapy for AML and presented with well-defined erythematous macules and papule suggestive of NEH. This report emphasizes the necessity of a prompt diagnosis in order to prevent the use of multiple antibiotics and inadvertent use of other drugs as it is a self-limiting condition.