Translate this page into:
Dermatitis cruris pustulosa et atrophicans
![](/content/130/2023/3/1/img/CSDM-3-116-inline001.png)
*Corresponding author: Rajendra Devanda, Department of Dermatology and STD, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. rdevanda24@gmail.com
-
Received: ,
Accepted: ,
How to cite this article: Couppoussamy K, Devanda R. Dermatitis cruris pustulosa et atrophicans. CosmoDerma 2023;3:116.
A 38-year-old female presented with multiple, recurrent, asymptomatic pus-filled lesions, and hair loss over both legs for 2 years. There was no history of similar lesions elsewhere. She also had a history of regular coconut oil application over bilateral legs and forearms for the past 10 years. On examination, multiple pustules were present over the bilateral leg’s anterior and lateral aspects in a symmetric distribution. Multiple areas of rings of exfoliation surrounding the pustules with intervening areas of atrophy and scarring alopecia were seen [Figure 1]. On histological examination, there was acanthosis and perifollicular neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltrates [Figure 2]. Based on clinical and histopathological examination, dermatitis cruris pustulosa et atrophicans was diagnosed.
![Multiple follicular-based pustules symmetrically involving the bilateral anterior aspect of both legs with intervening areas of atrophy and scarring alopecia.](/content/130/2023/3/1/img/CSDM-3-116-g001.png)
- Multiple follicular-based pustules symmetrically involving the bilateral anterior aspect of both legs with intervening areas of atrophy and scarring alopecia.
![Predominantly neutrophilic infiltrates surrounding the hair follicle were noted (Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, ×100 magnification).](/content/130/2023/3/1/img/CSDM-3-116-g002.png)
- Predominantly neutrophilic infiltrates surrounding the hair follicle were noted (Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, ×100 magnification).
The lesions significantly improved with oral minocycline 100 mg daily for 3 months.
Dermatitis cruris pustulosa et atrophicans is a chronic superficial folliculitis whose etiology is unknown. Staphylococcus aureus is thought to be one of the prime causative agents. It is usually symmetrical, involving bilateral legs. Rarely, other sites such as the upper limb, beard, and axilla can also be involved. The triggering factors are climate, occlusion, and clothing. In histological examination, there can be hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and perifollicular infiltrates composed of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and rarely plasma cells. It causes significant scarring alopecia, and it is generally resistant to therapy. The treatment options are dapsone, minocycline, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole.[1]
Declaration of patient consent
The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for manuscript preparation
The authors confirm that there was no use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Assisted Technology for assisting in the writing or editing of the manuscript and no images were manipulated using the AI.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
References
- Dermatitis cruris pustulosa et atrophicans. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2009;75:348-55.
- [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]