APRON DERMATITIS: A MISDIAGNOSED ENTITY

We report a case of apron dermatitis observed in a 14-year-old girl, through which we put the light on this rare but misdiagnosed dermatosis which continues to pose a diagnostic and therapeutic problem despite being benign. A 14-year-old girl consulted for a 6-month little itchy rash of the hands treated unsuccessfully with 3 months of oral and topical antifungal agents. Clinical examination noted well defined erythematous plaques starting from interdigital space and involving especially palmar and lateral side of hands. Mycological exam was negative. Skin biopsy concluded to eczematous dermatitis. Final diagnosis was apron dermatitis. A slight improvement is noted by dermocorticoids application then a complete remission is obtained alternating with local retinoids. The word apron eczema was given by Calnan. It is a type of hand eczema with a distinctive topography that involves the proximal palmar aspect of two or more adjacent fingers and fanning in a semicircle over the metacarpophalangeal joints in a pattern ressembling an apron. Apron dermatitis is a rare and unrecognized disease. Physicians must be warned of this entity to avoid over treatment and diagnosis delay.