Discrete papular lichen myxedematosus

Signs and symptoms

Discrete papular lichen myxedematosus is typically identified by the presence of violaceous, flesh-colored, or reddish, waxy papules that range in size from 2 to 5 mm and that symmetrically affect the trunk and limbs.

Causes

This disease's etiology is still unknown.

Diagnosis

Histologically, a normal epidermis is covered by a diffuse or focal mucinous deposit and edema in the upper and mid dermis. Although there isn't any sclerosis or collagen deposition, fibroblast proliferation varies.

Treatment

Numerous therapies have been attempted, with varying degrees of success, such as dermabrasion, carbon-dioxide laser, intralesional injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronidase, oral retinoids, psoralen ultraviolet A, and pimecrolimus. Given its ability to inhibit both tumor necrosis factor-a and transforming growth factor-b, thus decreasing the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans by fibroblasts, topical tacrolimus 0.1% has recently been proposed as an effective substitute.

References

References

1. (2007). "Dermatology: 2-Volume Set". Mosby.
2. (2016). "Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology". Saunders Elsevier.
3. (2014). "Discrete papular lichen myxedematosus: a rare entity or an under- diagnosed disease?". The Pan African Medical Journal.
4. (February 2001). "Updated classification of papular mucinosis, lichen myxedematosus, and scleromyxedema". Elsevier BV.
5. (December 2009). "Discrete papular lichen myxoedematosus: a rare subtype of cutaneous mucinosis". Oxford University Press (OUP).
6. (March 2008). "Treatment of localized lichen myxedematosus of discrete type with tacrolimus ointment". Elsevier BV.