To the Editor.—
Cutaneous infections by Staphylococcus aureus are frequent in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, and may be pruritic.1 We have identified two patients who were HIV seropositive, with the following features: (1) adult-onset chronic pruritic eczematous dermatitis, temporarily related to infection with HIV; (2) S aureus-positive cultures of nares and skin; (3) peripheral eosinophilia; (4) extremely elevated serum IgE concentrations; (5) no history of atopy; and (6) dramatic response of pruritus and eczema to antistaphylococcal antibiotics.
Report of Cases.—Case 1.—
A 45-year-old man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related complex, presented with a pruritic eczematous dermatitis of 2 years' duration. He had generalized follicular pustules, excoriated papules, and widespread eczematous, scaly plaques. Initially the dermatitis was accentuated on the dorsa of the hands. Nares and skin cultures were positive for S aureus. Results of laboratory tests disclosed the following values: white blood cell count, 5.2 ×