Malnourished patients with acute edema may develop a variety of lesions associated with distension of the epidermis by interstitial fluid.
Occurrence:
(1) The patients are malnourished (elderly, cancer, anorexia nervosa, etc.)
(2) The lesions arise in an area affected by acute edema.
(3) Resolution of the lesions follows resolution of the underlying edema.
Forms
Findings
Associations
blisters
tense and thin-walled, typically on the legs
elderly, often poorly mobile
striaelike epidermal distension (erythema craquele, eczema craquele)
linear, red-to-brown erythematous lesions that may coalesce into plaques, erosions or crusts
usually younger
The importance of recognizing these lesions is to not work the patients up for an immune-related bullous disorder or an adverse drug reaction.
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Specialty: Dermatology, Nutrition
