$Unique_ID{BRK04012} $Pretitle{} $Title{Mucha-Habermann Disease} $Subject{Mucha-Habermann Disease Pityriasis Lichenoides et Varioliformis Acuta PLEVA Vasculitis Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome Varicella-Zoster Virus Erythema Multiforme Pityriasis Rosea } $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1990 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 752: Mucha-Habermann Disease ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible that the main title of the article (Mucha-Habermann Disease) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYM listing to find the alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article. Synonyms Pityriasis Lichenoides et Varioliformis Acuta PLEVA Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Vasculitis Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome Varicella-Zoster Virus Erythema Multiforme Pityriasis Rosea General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Mucha-Habermann disease is an uncommon skin disorder characterized by recurrent red, round and elevated lesions (papules), hemorrhages under the skin (purpura), and blister-like lesions (vesicles). It occurs most often in young adults and children. Symptoms Mucha-Habermann disease is an uncommon skin disorder that usually occurs during childhood or young adulthood. It is characterized by a recurrent itchy and burning rash that appears red with round and elevated skin lesions (papules), hemorrhages under the skin (purpura), and blister like lesions (vesicles). These lesions usually become scaly, crusted, and can ulcerate leaving scars. Other symptoms associated with this disease may be headache, chills, a feeling of ill-health (malaise), and joint pain (arthralgia). Causes The exact cause of Mucha-Habermann Disease is not known. Some scientists believe it may be an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders are caused when the body's natural defenses (antibodies, lymphocytes, etc.), against invading organisms suddenly begin to attack healthy tissue. Affected Population Mucha-Habermann Disease is an uncommon skin disorder that affects males and females in equal numbers. It usually occurs in young adults, but it can affect children as well. Related Disorders Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Mucha- Habermann Disease. They may be useful for a differential diagnosis: Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessel system which includes the veins, arteries and capillaries. Vasculitis can affect the skin causing lesions that are flat and red (macules), nodules, or hemorrhages under the skin (purpura). These lesions can occur on any part of the body. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Vasculitis" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome is a rare skin disease affecting children between the ages of nine months to nine years. Major symptoms may include blisters on the skin of the legs, buttocks or arms. This disorder is usually preceded by a viral infection. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Gianotti" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Varicella-zoster infection is a herpes virus that causes chickenpox during childhood, and shingles (herpes zoster) during adulthood. It is characterized by a blister-like rash, fever, and sore throat. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Varicella-Zoster" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Erythema Multiforme is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by symmetric red and blistery (bullous) lesions of the skin or mucous membranes of the hands, feet and eyelids. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Erythema Multiforme" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.) Pityriasis Rosea is a self-limited, mild, inflammatory skin eruption characterized by scaly lesions found most commonly on the trunk. The disorder is possibly due to an unidentified infectious agent. It may occur at any age but is seen most frequently in young adults. In temperate climates, incidence is highest during the spring and autumn. Therapies: Standard Treatment of Mucha-Habermann Disease with the antibiotic drug tetracycline, or corticosteroid or cytotoxic drugs, has provided relief to some people with this disease. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Therapies: Investigational At the present time, a study is being conducted on the effectiveness of the antibiotic drug Erythromycin, and the use of ultraviolet light as treatments for Mucha-Habermann Disease. More research must be conducted to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of these treatments. This disease entry is based upon medical information available through July 1990. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Mucha-Habermann Disease, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 The National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Information Clearinghouse Box AMS Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 495-4484 References TEXTBOOK OF MEDICINE, 18th Ed.: James B. Wyngaarden, M.D. et al.; ed.-in- chief; W.B. Saunders Co., 1988. Pp. 2328. MUCHA-HABERMANN DISEASE IN CHILDREN -- THE ASSOCIATION WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASES. J. Ellsworth, et al.; J RHEUMATOL (March - April 1982, issue 9 (2)). Pp. 319-324. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT TREATMENT OF A PATIENT WITH PITYRIASIS LICHENOIDES ET VARIOLIFORMIS ACUTA (MUCHA HABERMAN DISEASE). J. Mackinnon; PHYS THER (October 1986, issue 66(10)). Pp. 1542-1543. CLINICAL AND HISTOLOGIC FEATURES IN PITYRIASIS LICHENOIDES ET VARIOLIFORMIS ACUTA IN CHILDREN. J. Longley, et al.; ARCH DERMATOL (October 1987, issue 123 (10)). Pp. 1335-1339.