A 14-year-old Girl with Atrophic Plaques on the Arm: Case Report

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Hannah R. Riva, MD
Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2315-6166
Mary E. Cavanagh, MD
Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA

Ayezel Munoz Gonzalez, MD
Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5167-6782

Keywords

atypical mycobacterium, epidermal inclusion cyst, Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacteroides abscessus, case report, atypical mycobacteria

Abstract

As the incidence of cutaneous infections due to nontuberculous mycobacteria continues to rise, clinicians should be aware of the various ways in which such infections may present. A 14-year-old female presented to dermatology clinic with a three-month history of a cutaneous lesion on the right posterior arm. She reported a sudden onset of burning pain in the area when she first noticed the lesion. There was no known history of insect bites or prior trauma to the area. Examination revealed two adjacent atrophic plaques with surrounding erythema. Histopathology demonstrated dermal scar with suppurative granulomatous inflammation concerning for atypical cutaneous infection. Subsequent excisional biopsy demonstrated a ruptured epidermal inclusion cyst. Bacterial and fungal cultures were negative, whereas AFB culture was positive for Mycobacterium abscessus. Due to antibiotic resistance among various NTM strains, it is important to acquire culture sensitivities to adjust antibiotic treatment as needed based on sensitivity results. This case seeks to highlight an unusual clinical presentation of a co-occurring epidermal inclusion cyst and atypical mycobacterial infection.

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Published
2026-03-10
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25251/afa3a243

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How to Cite
1.
A 14-year-old Girl with Atrophic Plaques on the Arm: Case Report. J of Skin. 2026;10(2):3027-3031. doi:10.25251/afa3a243
Issue
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2026): March 2026 Issue
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Brief Articles
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