Bullous lesions, sweat gland necrosis and rhabdomyolysis in alcoholic coma

• Main Authors: Neelakandhan Asokan, Vayappurath Gangadharan Binesh, Andrews Mekkattukunnel Andrews, Pattomthadathil Sankaran Jayalakshmi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2014-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Dermatology
• Subjects: Alcohol; bullous lesions; coma; rhabdomyolysis; sweat gland necrosis
• Online Access: http://www.e-ijd.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5154;year=2014;volume=59;issue=6;spage=632;epage=632;aulast=Asokan

A 42-year-old male developed hemorrhagic bullae and erosions while in alcohol induced coma. The lesions were limited to areas of the body in prolonged contact with the ground in the comatose state. He developed rhabdomyolysis, progressing to acute renal failure (ARF). Histopathological examination of the skin showed spongiosis, intraepidermal vesicles, and necrosis of eccrine sweat glands with denudation of secretory epithelial lining cells. With supportive treatment and hemodialysis, the patient recovered in 3 weeks time. This is the first reported case of bullous lesions and sweat gland necrosis occurring in alcohol-induced coma complicated by rhabdomyolysis and ARF.