Bilateral multiple ecthyma of the lower limbs: uncommon presentation in a diabetic patient

Authors

  • Alvaro Rojas Mora Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Calixto García", Hospital Universitario "General Calixto García". La Habana, Cuba. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6805-5364
  • Graciela Fundora Guerra Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Calixto García", Hospital Universitario "General Calixto García". La Habana, Cuba. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9273-0403
  • Aylet Pérez López Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Calixto García", Hospital Universitario "General Calixto García". La Habana, Cuba. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4629-9995

Keywords:

cicatrix; diabetes mellitus; ecthyma; lower limbs; skin ulcer

Abstract

Introduction: Ecthyma is a rare, deep, extrafollicular pyoderma, recognized as the ulcerative form of contagious impetigo.
Objective: To describe the clinical course and therapeutic approach of bilateral multiple ecthyma of the lower limbs in a diabetic patient.
Case report: A 45-year-old female patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with painful lesions on the posterior region of both legs of one week's duration. Physical examination revealed multiple round, oval, ulcerated and crusted lesions covered by thick, blackish, adherent crusts. Bacteriological exudate confirmed coinfection with Staphylococcus aureus and group A Streptococcus, both sensitive to cephalexin. She received medical treatment, and the lesions healed completely within 15 days. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and residual atrophic scars persisted.
Conclusions: Bilateral multiple ecthyma of the lower limbs is an uncommon presentation, the recognition of which relies on its characteristic morphology. Diabetes mellitus, acting as a predisposing factor, influences both the extent of the lesions and the duration of the healing process. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate systemic treatment are essential to prevent sequelae and complications.

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Published

2026-08-24

How to Cite

1.
Rojas Mora A, Fundora Guerra G, Pérez López A. Bilateral multiple ecthyma of the lower limbs: uncommon presentation in a diabetic patient. Arch Hosp Univ "Gen Calixto García” [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 24 [cited 2026 Aug. 28];14(2). Available from: https://revcalixto.sld.cu/index.php/ahcg/article/view/1681

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026): mayo - agosto

Section

Presentación de Casos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Graciela Fundora Guerra, Aylet Pérez López

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