Dermatologic emergencies. When early recognition can be lifesaving.

Postgrad Med. 1994 Jul;96(1):67-70, 73-5, 79 passim.

Comment in:
    Postgrad Med. 1994 Oct;96(5):28, 30.

Dermatologic emergencies. When early recognition can be lifesaving.

Gannon T.

Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis.

Early recognition and treatment of life-threatening dermatoses can reduce
morbidity and mortality. Pemphigus vulgaris can usually be brought under control
with high doses of corticosteroids. In cases of necrotizing fasciitis, early,
extensive debridement of involved tissue is essential, since antibiotic therapy
alone has little effect. Patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis and
occasionally those with Stevens-Johnson syndrome may need care similar to that
required for a major burn. Therapy for toxic shock syndrome includes aggressive
fluid replacement and beta lactamase-resistant antistaphylococcal antibiotics.
Treatment of urticaria and acquired angioedema includes histamine receptor
blockers, prednisone (for intractable cases), and epinephrine (for respiratory
compromise); danazol (Danocrine) or stanozolol (Winstrol) may be useful for
prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema.