Bazin's smallpox: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Bazin's smallpox was first described by the French dermatologist Bazin in 1862.
The causes and pathogenesis of Bazin's smallpox. At the heart of the disease is a special sensitivity to the sun's rays, but its mechanism is still unknown. According to some authors, smallpox is transmitted recessively by inheritance and occurs in the family in 15% of cases, other authors believe that the hereditary and familial nature of this disease has not been proven.
In patients with Bazin's light smallpox, porphyrin metabolism is not disturbed and is manifested only by erythematous-bladder rash. However, in some patients, porphyrin metabolism is disrupted and its clinical manifestation is similar to erythropoietic porphyria, late and to classified porphyria.
Symptoms of smallpox. The disease begins in 2-5-year-old boys after severe intoxication. Before the appearance of a rash, there are general prodromal signs (a decrease or lack of appetite, vomiting, nausea, chills, itching, excitement, etc.). One day after the appearance of the prodromal signs on the open areas (nose, cheeks, ears, the outer part of the hands), erythematous spots as large as barley, globular vesicles containing serous fluid, which then becomes turbid, emit. In the central part of the vesicle there is a deepening and scooping necrotic crust, as in smallpox. This crust after 2-3 weeks is rejected and in its place appears a stretched whitish scar.
This scar is very similar to the scar that remains after smallpox. Vesicles are located separately, however they can densely fly to each other and are prone to fusion. In severe disease, the mouth, eyes (conjunctivitis, keratitis, blephorospasm, tearing, photophobia) and mucous membranes of the nose are affected. Sometimes adolescents have a mild hydroa aestivalis Hutchinson or an unhealed form.
The disease progresses in the spring and summer months, in the autumn the rash decreases, and in winter it completely disappears.
Histopathology. In the epidermis there are numerous blisters, under the papillary dermis - vascular thrombosis, necrosis and scar tissue atrophy.
Differential diagnosis. The disease should be distinguished from chicken pox, late cutaneous porphyria, erythropoietic porphyria and necrotic acne.
The treatment of Bazin's smallpox is the same as in the treatment of other photodermatoses. Recommended antihistamine, hyposensitizing, antiplatelet agents, vitamin therapy and corticosteroid ointments. Preventive maintenance of disease does not differ from preventive measures at other photodermatoses.
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