Intended for healthcare professionals

Minerva

Minerva

BMJ 2010; 340 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.c3266 (Published 23 June 2010) Cite this as: BMJ 2010;340:c3266
  1. Sara Dodd, medical student
  1. 1University College London Medical School, London W1T 4HY
  1. sdodd{at}ucl.ac.uk

    A 50 year old woman presented to the emergency department with a two day history of a widespread itchy rash associated with a slight fever, malaise, and vague abdominal pain. Examination revealed a streaky dermatitis especially over the trunk and arms. When questioned, she recalled eating shiitake mushrooms the day before the onset; some had been eaten raw. She was treated with chlorphenamine tablets and betamethasone valerate cream and the eruption resolved. The flagellate dermatitis caused by shiitake mushrooms is a very distinctive eruption. The mechanism is uncertain and may be toxic or allergic in nature. Cooking may denature the substance responsible.

    Notes

    Cite this as: BMJ 2010;340:c3266

    Footnotes

    • Patient consent obtained.