Acquired Perforating Dermatosis: Clinical and Histopathological Analysis of 95 Patients From One Center

Abstract

Introduction: Acquired perforating dermatosis (APD) is a disease group characterized by transepidermal elimination of dermal connective tissue materials such as collagen, elastic fibers, and keratin through the epidermis and observed with pruritic skin lesions. Objectives: In this study, we aim to clarify the clinical, histopathological, and dermoscopic characteristics of APD, identify the associated systemic disease, and figure out treatment options. Methods: This study was designed as a single-center retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. We evaluated all accessible APD cases between January 2004 and June 2022 in a tertiary care hospital. Results: A total of 95 patients with confirmed APD were included in the study. Sixty percent of the patients were women and 40% were men. The median age at diagnosis was 63.1 years (35-85 years). The most common site of lesions was the lower extremities which were detected in 86.31% of the patients. The concomitant systemic disease was identified in 84.21% of the patients. The most common systemic disease was type 2 diabetes mellitus (65.26%). Antihistamines and topical corticosteroids were the most commonly prescribed treatment agents. Conclusions: Transepidermal elimination of dermal connective tissue components is a feature of APD and the disease usually presents with pruritic papules and nodules with central keratotic crust or plug. The diagnosis of APD requires a clinical examination and histological investigation. APD is usually accompanied by systemic comorbidities. There are several topical and systemic medications available for APD, however, sometimes the therapy might be challenging.