Abstract

UMANA BRENES, Alberto Alonso  and  HERNANDEZ VARGAS, Alexandra. Dermatosis cenicienta. Med. leg. Costa Rica [online]. 2016, vol.33, n.1, pp.170-174. ISSN 2215-5287.

Ashy dermatoses is an idiopathic hypermelanosis with blue-gray macules, which was first described by Oswaldo Ramírez in El Salvador in 1957. It predominates in the Hispanic population with skin type IV, being most common in adults between the second and third decade of life. Although the etiology is unknown, predisposing factors have been identified as the intake of ammonium nitrate, benzodiazepines, exposure to pesticides and fungicides such as chlorothalonil, etc. Degeneration and hyperpigmentation of the basal layer is the main histopathologycal characteristics. Clinically, the chest and the proximal extremities are the anatomical areas commonly affected in this asymptomatic disease with chronic course. The clinical history and the physical examination are the basis of diagnosis, the biopsy of the skin active borders confirms it. Although there are several treatment options, only dapsone and clofazimine have shown efficacy in the ashy dermatosis treatment. Lichen planus pigmentosus and idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation are two of the main differential diagnoses, the clinician should consider.

Keywords : Dermatoses; skin diseases; erythema dyshromicum perstans; skin pigmentation; ashy dermatosis; hyperpigmentation; Clofazimine.

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