[Necrotic purpura of the head disclosing Churg-Strauss syndrome].

INTRODUCTION: Among the cutaneous manifestations of the Churg-Strauss syndrome, palpable purpura of the extremities is the most common. Although they are not specific, sub-cutaneous nodules of the scalp are the most distinctive lesions. CASE REPORT: A 58 year-old man, with a 7-years history of asthma, developed profuse cutaneous lesions involving the face and the scalp, initially erythematosus and vesiculous, then purpuric and necrotic which led to the diagnostic of Churg-Strauss syndrome. COMMENTARY: Cutaneous lesions occur frequently during the Churg-Strauss syndrome and may reveal the disease as in our patient. However, the initial clinical presentation was uncommon with erythematosus and vesiculous lesions mimicking primary herpes infection. Cutaneous biopsy was useful leading to an early diagnosis.