Which cutaneous manifestation is associated with Type 1 DCS?

Which cutaneous manifestation is associated with Type 1 DCS?

• A. Erythema multiforme
• B. Cutis Marmorata (marbling rash)
• C. Petechial rash only on trunk
• D. Hives.

Answer: (B)

Type I decompression sickness shows milder, primarily skin- and joint-focused symptoms. The characteristic skin finding is cutis marmorata, a marbled or mottled rash caused by nitrogen bubbles in the cutaneous vessels that give a lace-like pattern on the trunk and proximal extremities after ascent. This marbling reflects gas bubble–related vascular obstruction in the skin, which is the hallmark of Type I DCS. Other options don’t fit this presentation: erythema multiforme is a target-like immune-mediated lesion, hives are transient wheals from an allergic reaction, and a petechial trunk rash points to different causes like vaskular or hematologic issues, not the classic DCS cutaneous pattern.

Type I decompression sickness shows milder, primarily skin- and joint-focused symptoms. The characteristic skin finding is cutis marmorata, a marbled or mottled rash caused by nitrogen bubbles in the cutaneous vessels that give a lace-like pattern on the trunk and proximal extremities after ascent. This marbling reflects gas bubble–related vascular obstruction in the skin, which is the hallmark of Type I DCS.

Other options don’t fit this presentation: erythema multiforme is a target-like immune-mediated lesion, hives are transient wheals from an allergic reaction, and a petechial trunk rash points to different causes like vaskular or hematologic issues, not the classic DCS cutaneous pattern.