Cutaneous Sarcoidosis: A Review and Approach to Treatment

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem, granulomatous, inflammatory condition. There are numerous clinical manifestations of cutaneous sarcoidosis, the most common being papular sarcoidosis, which presents as red-brown or violaceous papules on the face, trunk, or extremities. Cutaneous lesions of sarcoidosis can present similarly to other conditions such as psoriasis, lichen planus, nummular eczema, granuloma annulare, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It is important that an accurate diagnosis is made when patients present with cutaneous lesions as sarcoidosis can affect multiple organ systems. A patient diagnosed with sarcoidosis will typically require comprehensive care with dermatology, rheumatology, pulmonology, and other specialties as needed. Clinicians often face difficulty determining the best and most effective treatment for cutaneous sarcoidosis while keeping side effects in mind. In this article, the author presents a clinical vignette of a patient with cutaneous sarcoidosis then reviews the disease process, diagnostic work up, and treatment/management.