Article
Aquatic Antagonists: Sponge Dermatitis
- Author:
- Brian A. Cahn, MD
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
Sponges from the phylum Porifera exist throughout the world in marine and freshwater environments. Although many encounters with humans are benign...
Article
What’s Eating You? Human Flea (Pulex irritans)
- Author:
- Megan O’Donnell, BS
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
The human flea, Pulex irritans, is a vector for various human diseases including the bubonic plague, bartonellosis, and rickettsioses.
Article
What’s Eating You? Oriental Rat Flea (Xenopsylla cheopis)
- Author:
- Leah Ellis Wells, MD
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
The oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) is an ectoparasite of small mammals and a vector of many diseases for which humans are...
Article
What’s Eating You? Megalopyge opercularis
- Author:
- Melba Estrella, MD
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
Megalopyge opercularis is the most widely distributed caterpillar species in the Americas, and envenomation by it can occur year-round....
Article
What’s Eating You? Bark Scorpions (Centruroides exilicauda and Centruroides sculpturatus)
- Author:
- Avni Patel, BS
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
Stings from Centruroides exilicauda and Centruroides sculpturatus have been shown to cause fatality in children more often than...
Article
Tender White Lesions on the Groin
- Author:
- Heather M. O'Connor, DO
- Katelyn Anderson Zimmer, MD
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
- Jessica A. Forcucci, MD
A 28-year-old man with a history of hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndrome (previously known as Job syndrome), coarse facial features, and multiple...
Article
Climate Change and Expansion of Tick Geography
- Author:
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
The expanding range of tick-borne diseases is a growing problem worldwide. Climate change plays a preeminent role in the expansion of tick species...
Article
Multinodular Plaque on the Penis
- Author:
- Derek W. Nickerson, MD
- Jessica R. Dowling, MD
- Heather O'Connor, DO
- Daniel Lopez, MD
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
A 34-year-old man presented for evaluation of a slowly growing group of firm white bumps on the penis. The lesions were nontender and asymptomatic...
Article
What’s Eating You? Human Body Lice (Pediculus humanus corporis)
- Author:
- Emily S. Nyers, MD
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
Compared to head and pubic lice, body lice carry increased morbidity in the form of greater body surface area involvement, possible infectious...
Article
What’s Eating You? Vespids Revisited
- Author:
- Tyler Evans, MD
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
Three types of reactions can be seen after a vespid sting: uncomplicated local reactions, large local reactions, and systemic reactions. Although...
Article
What’s Eating You? Blister Beetles Revisited
- Author:
- Bonnie D. Hodge, MD
- George W. Elgart, MD
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
Blister beetles can cause a blistering dermatitis in humans by emitting the substance cantharidin, which has been pharmologically used as a...
Article
Solitary Papule on the Nose
- Author:
- Qiong Wu, MD
- Daniel C. Skipper, DO
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
A 25-year-old man presented with a flesh-colored papule on the left side of the nose of 2 years' duration.
Article
Systemic Epstein-Barr Virus–Positive T-cell Lymphoma of Childhood
- Author:
- Qiong Wu, MD
- Faliang Ren, MD
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
Systemic Epstein-Barr virus–positive T-cell lymphoma of childhood is a fulminant illness with a predilection for Asians and indigenous populations...
Article
What’s Eating You? The South African Fattail Scorpion Revisited
- Author:
- Henry Tomlinson, MD
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
Worldwide, there are more than 3250 deaths a year related to scorpion stings. With the increasing popularity of exotic and dangerous pets,...
Article
Solitary Papule on the Leg
- Author:
- Qiong Wu, MD
- Daniel C. Skipper, DO
- Dirk M. Elston, MD
A 28-year-old man presented with a growing asymptomatic papule on the right leg.