Is this papule on a girl's chin a wart?

DAVID L. KAPLAN, MD—Series Editor
University of Missouri Kansas City, University of Kansas

Dr Kaplan is clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He practices adult and pediatric dermatology in Overland Park, Kan.

Volume 51 - Issue 8 - August 2011


Dermclinic
A Photo Quiz to Hone Dermatologic Skills

Case 2:
The mother of a 6-year-old girl is concerned about the enlarging bump on her daughter’s chin. The slightly itchy lesion first appeared as a “pimple” 1 week earlier.

Do you recognize this lesion?

A. Wart.
B. Acne vulgaris.
C. Granuloma annulare.
D. Ringworm.
E. Staphylococcal folliculitis.

 

 

(Answer on next page.)




Dermclinic—Answer

Case 2: Ringworm

A potassium hydroxide evaluation confirmed the suspected diagnosis of ringworm, D. Further questioning revealed that a new pet had recently come into the household; the kitten was the suspected source of the dermatophyte. A short course of an antifungal cream was effective.

Warts can appear suddenly, but they lack scale and are usually asymptomatic. Acne rarely occurs in a 6-year-old child and does not have this appearance. Typically, granuloma annulare is asymptomatic and does not affect the face. Staphylococcal infections generally are tender.  ■