Neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis is characterised by tender red papules, plaques or nodules on the trunk, face and ears. The diagnosis of this condition relies on skin biopsy and analysing the histological (microscopic) changes. Neutrophils (a type of white cell) are seen surrounding eccrine (sweat) glands.
The cause is thought to be the high concentrations of chemotherapy drugs secreted into the sweat glands.
The most commonly implicated agents are:
Cytarabine
Bleomycin
Neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis often heals without treatment within days to weeks. Appropriate management involves performing a skin biopsy to help establish the diagnosis. Supportive treatment such as systemic steroids, non-steroidal analgesics and dapsone helps to shorten the duration of the rash and relieve pain.