Successful Management of a Child with Severe Acute Malnutrition and Ecthyma Gangrenosum

Abstract

Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening cutaneous infection characterized by rapidly progressive necrotic skin lesions. It is classically associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia and severe immunocompromised states. Severe malnutrition can significantly impair host immunity and increase susceptibility to serious bacterial infections. Extensive EG in a young, severely malnourished child is an uncommon and clinically important presentation. We report the case of an 18-month-old child with severe malnutrition who presented with extensive cutaneous lesions consistent with ecthyma gangrenosum. This report aims to highlight the importance of considering serious invasive bacterial infection in malnourished children presenting with extensive necrotic skin lesions.