A Case Study Highlighting Diagnostic Challenges and Treatment Approaches
![](https://hcn.health/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mycoplasma-Induced-Rash-and-Mucositis.jpeg)
An 8-year-old girl presented with a range of symptoms including painful lip crusting, oral ulcers, rash, and genital pain, which were later diagnosed as mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this postinfection mucocutaneous syndrome, which can manifest similarly to the Stevens–Johnson syndrome but generally has a more favorable prognosis.
Key Points
- The patient had a 3-day history of painful lip crusting, oral ulcers, rash, and genital pain.
- She had developed a fever and cough 10 days before presentation.
- Physical examination revealed conjunctivitis in both eyes, ulcers in the oropharynx, scattered vesicular lesions across her face, and multiple small ulcers in the vulvar and perianal regions.
- A serum IgM antibody test and a sputum polymerase-chain-reaction test were positive for Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- The diagnosis was mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis, a postinfection mucocutaneous syndrome that can manifest similarly to the Stevens–Johnson syndrome.
- The patient was given supportive care and treatment with doxycycline for the pneumonia. Two weeks after presentation, the mucocutaneous lesions had abated, and the pneumonia symptoms resolved soon after.
![](https://hcn.health/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/did-you-know.png)
According to a study published in Pediatric Dermatology, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important cause of skin rashes in children and adolescents.
More on Skin Conditions/Rash