Make the Diagnosis

April 2020

A healthy 70-year-old white female with no significant past medical history presented with a 1-day history of asymptomatic, linear, erythematous streaks on her back. She had no other associated symptoms. Upon questioning, she revealed that she ate shiitake mushrooms two days before presentation.

Make the diagnosis:

Shiitake mushroom flagellate dermatitis

Dermatomyositis

Bleomycin-induced flagellate dermatitis

Adult-onset Still disease

Shiitake mushroom flagellate dermatitis

Flagellate dermatitis (toxicoderma) refers to a distinctive rash that appears as erythematous, linear streaks that resemble whiplash marks. The lesions may be extremely pruritic, and petechiae may be present in the streaks. The trunk is most commonly affected, although lesions can occur on the limbs. Mucosa is not affected. Sun exposure may exacerbate the condition. The dermatitis has been described in all ages and races, and males seem to be more affected than females.

Dr. Donna Bilu Martin, a dermatologist in private practice in Aventura, Fla.

Dr. Donna Bilu Martin

Shiitake mushroom flagellate dermatitis typically occurs following the ingestion of raw or undercooked shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). The mushrooms contain a polysaccharide called lentinan. Ingestion of lentinan activates interleukin-1 (IL-1), resulting in vasodilation and the subsequent dermatitis that can occur within a few hours and up to 5 days post ingestion. Associated gastrointestinal symptoms, fever, and localized swelling have been reported. The rash will resolve spontaneously over a few days to weeks.

Flagellate erythema has been described with bleomycin treatment. Other reported associations include peplomycin (a bleomycin derivative) and docetaxel. The rash may appear following administration of bleomycin by any route and has been shown to be dose independent. Onset occurs anywhere from 1 day to several months after exposure. Over time, the erythema will develop into postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Dermatomyositis may present with flagellate erythema. Other symptoms include muscle weakness and an inflammatory myopathy. A heliotrope rash on the eyelids, Gottron’s papules on the hands, ragged cuticles with prominent vessels on nail folds may be seen. Blood work may reveal elevated antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti–Mi-2 and anti–Jo-1. Adult-onset Still disease is characterized by fever, arthritis, and salmon-colored patches.

Our patient’s dermatitis resolved spontaneously without treatment.

This case and photo were provided by Dr. Bilu Martin.

Dr. Bilu Martin is a board-certified dermatologist in private practice at Premier Dermatology, MD, in Aventura, Fla. More diagnostic cases are available at mdedge.com/dermatology. To submit a case for possible publication, send an email to dermnews@mdedge.com.

Recommended Reading

Make the Diagnosis - March 2020
MDedge Dermatology
Hyperhidrosis treatment options include glycopyrrolate
MDedge Dermatology
Hand deformity happens early in children with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
MDedge Dermatology
Target plantar keratoderma when managing ‘mild’ EBS
MDedge Dermatology
Prioritize oral health in children with DEB
MDedge Dermatology
SCC survival remains poor in epidermolysis bullosa
MDedge Dermatology
Nemolizumab tames itching in prurigo nodularis patients in phase 2 study
MDedge Dermatology
Antifungal drug appears safe for pregnancy
MDedge Dermatology
Testing times for epidermolysis bullosa topical therapies
MDedge Dermatology
Dermatology therapies evolve as disease knowledge and investment grow
MDedge Dermatology