Ecthyma gangrenosum following circumcision

Abstract

Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is a rare, invasive cutaneous infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the majority of cases. EG typically affects immunocompromised patients. The disease may affect patients of any age, although it is commonly reported in infants and elderly patients due to underdeveloped or compromised immune system. We report a case of a previously immunocompetent infant who developed extensive perineal EG complicated by Pseudomonas sepsis after circumcision. Our case is exceptional as it reports a case of ecthyma gangrenosum in a previously healthy infant with three risk factors (recent antibiotic therapy, transient neutropenia and circumcision-induced skin breach).