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Author: Kenneth A Becker, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Dermatology, Rhode Island Hospital, Memorial Hospital

Kenneth A Becker is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Sigma Xi

Coauthor(s): Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH, Professor and Head of Dermatology, Professor of Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics, Professor of Pathology, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School

Editors: Ponciano D Cruz Jr, MD, Vice-Chair, JB Shelmire Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; David F Butler, MD, Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Director, Division of Dermatology, Scott and White Clinic; Director Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic; Jeffrey Meffert, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio; Glen H Crawford, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Chief, Division of Dermatology, The Pennsylvania Hospital; Dirk M Elston, MD, Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Author and Editor Disclosure

Synonyms and related keywords: CRP, atrophie brilliante, confluent and reticular papillomatosis, confluent and reticulate papillomatosis, erythrokeratodermia papillaris et reticularis, parakeratose brilliante, pigmented reticular dermatosis of the flexures

Background

Gougerot and Carteud originally described confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CRP) in 1927 under the name papillomatose pigmentée innominée and later renamed it papillomatose pigmentée confluente et réticulée. It was subsequently categorized as a new form of cutaneous papillomatosis and diagnostic criteria were established. Wise described the first case in the United States in 1937 and called it confluent and reticular papillomatosis. Its existence as a distinct entity was argued for many years because of the clinical and histologic similarities between CRP and the different forms of acanthosis nigricans, but the disease is now generally accepted as a distinct entity.

CRP is a rare disease typically affecting young persons. It is characterized by grayish blue hyperkeratotic papules, usually located on the trunk. The lesions coalesce to form confluent plaques centrally and a reticular pattern peripherally. CRP may represent an endocrine disturbance, a disorder of keratinization, an abnormal host reaction to fungi or bacteria, a hereditary disorder, or a variant of amyloidosis. The eruption is chronic with exacerbations and remissions. It is responsive to treatment but frequently recurs after discontinuation of therapy.

Pathophysiology

Both electron microscopy studies and immunohistochemical analysis of lesions of CRP support the concept of abnormal keratinocyte differentiation and maturation. These findings include an increased transition cell layer and increased lamellar granules in the stratum granulosum, along with increased involucrin, keratin 16, and Ki-67 expression. Increased melanosomes in the stratum corneum probably account for the observed pigmentary changes.

Frequency

United States

The frequency in the United States is unknown.

International

The frequency internationally is unknown.

Race

Older reviews report CRP being more common among blacks than other races, with a ratio of 2:1, but more recent surveys, including one survey of 90 cases, show a predominance in whites.

Sex

The proportion of women to men affected has been reported to be as high as 2.8:1, but the ratio is probably closer to 1.4:1. The opposite is true in Japan, where CRP is more common in men than in women.

Age

The onset of CRP usually occurs shortly after puberty. The mean patient age at onset varies from 18.5-21 years, with a range of 5-63 years. Similarly, the average patient age at onset is 17.1 years in Japan, with a range of 3-30 years.



History

Patients with CRP are often asymptomatic, but they may experience mild pruritus. In a study of cases in Japan, 57.1% were asymptomatic, while the rest experienced pruritus.

Physical

Physical findings are limited to the skin.

  • Primary lesion
    • Lesions begin as slightly hyperkeratotic to warty papules that are 1-2 mm in diameter. They enlarge to 4-5 mm in diameter and coalesce to form a reticular pattern peripherally and confluent plaques centrally.
    • Skin markings are preserved and sometimes exaggerated, especially in the neck and the axillae, where the skin may be thickened.
    • Atrophic macules rarely may be seen.
    • Scraping of lesions produces a fine powdery scale or mealy deposit.
  • Distribution
    • CRP usually begins on the skin of the intermammary or epigastric region, spreading over a period of weeks or months to the breasts, the lower abdomen, the flanks, and the pubic area.
    • In one case, lesions were entirely confined to the cheeks; in another case, lesions were entirely confined to the pubic area.
    • The eruption may be found in the interscapular region, from which it spreads to the shoulders, the nape of the neck, and the gluteal cleft.
    • Involvement of the face and the proximal extremities may be seen.
    • The mucous membranes are spared.
  • Color: Early lesions are erythematous and later become grayish brown.

Causes

Theories as to the etiology of CRP include an endocrine disturbance, a disorder of keratinization, and an abnormal host reaction to Pityrosporum organisms or bacteria. Reports also exist of familial cases of CRP and the possibility of CRP representing a variant of amyloidosis.

  • Endocrine disturbance
    • Gougerot himself suggested the possibility of an endocrine disturbance having a role in CRP. Others have also advanced this theory in light of the common observation of endocrine disturbances in patients with CRP (eg, Cushing disease, menstrual irregularities, obesity, abnormal glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, pituitary dysfunction, hirsutism or hypertrichosis).
    • In Japan, 76.5% of cases of CRP are associated with obesity or rapid weight gain.
    • In addition, lesions of CRP have been noted to remit during pregnancy or with weight loss.
    • No single endocrine abnormality is seen; however, in many of the cases, no abnormality exists at all.
  • Disorder of keratinization
    • Miescher first proposed that CRP is due to a defect in keratinization. This idea is supported by electron microscopic studies, which demonstrate increased lamellar granules in the stratum granulosum, a finding seen in conditions of increased cell turnover and desquamation (eg, psoriasis), and an increased transition cell layer, which represents the zone where granular cells are converted into cornified cells.
    • The above findings are consistent with immunohistochemical studies of lesions of CRP, which demonstrate increased expression of involucrin, keratin 16, and Ki-67—protein markers for keratinocyte differentiation and maturation.
    • Further evidence for the role of a defect of keratinization is the response of CRP to topical and oral retinoids, which are useful in treating such defects. Most recently, CRP has been shown to respond to topical analogues of vitamin D, agents that also regulate cell differentiation and inhibit keratinocyte proliferation.
    • Ultraviolet light exposure and avitaminosis have been associated with the development of CRP, and they may trigger or exacerbate the underlying abnormality.
    • Another interesting association is that of 2 patients with both CRP and atopy, a condition where other disorders of keratinization are found.
  • Fungal infection
    • Another theory holds that CRP represents an abnormal host reaction to Pityrosporum orbiculare, either in the yeast or the hyphal form. This theory is based on the observation that CRP is sometimes colonized with Pityrosporum organisms, and clearance occurs with antifungals and the associated eradication of Pityrosporum organisms.
    • Many cases of CRP do not have any evidence of Pityrosporum infection, and they fail to respond to antifungal therapy.
      • In one study, 20 of 31 cases of CRP had negative potassium hydroxide examinations, and 14 of 19 patients treated with topical imidazoles failed to respond, with no correlation between potassium hydroxide (KOH) examinations and response to therapy.
      • In another study, P obiculare was isolated in only 15 of 54 cases, and only 8 of 26 cases improved with antimycotic therapy.
      • Similarly, in Japan, fungus could be detected in only 6 of 44 cases.
    • A genetic or diet-induced abnormal keratinizing response is suggested to be triggered by P orbiculare.
  • Bacterial infection
    • The use of antibiotics in the treatment of CRP was introduced after the fortuitous discovery of improvement in a patient who was taking furacycline for arthritis. Since then, an increase has occurred in the number of reports of successful treatment of CRP with antibiotics of the tetracycline, macrolide, cephalosporin and (most recently) steroid classes. This finding has lead to the concept that bacteria, perhaps within the hair follicle, are the etiologic agents.
    • An exciting development in our understanding of the cause of CRP is the report of a newly described dietzia strain of Actinomyces, isolated from a patient with CRP. Antibiotic minimal inhibitory concentrations suggested sensitivity to tetracycline and erythromycin, and the patient responded to treatment with these medications. The authors of this study propose that CRP is probably a reaction pattern to bacterial infection in susceptible individuals, resulting in epidermal proliferation, and have named this A dietzia strain X.
    • Another explanation for the effectiveness of antibiotics may be the anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative actions of these agents; however, some authors argue that CRP is not an inflammatory disorder.
  • Heredity: Six familial reports of CRP have raised the possibility of it being a heritable disorder. These cases include 2 sisters and a brother; 2 sisters and 1 of their daughters; a mother, a daughter, and a son; and 3 sets of brothers, including 1 observed by the authors of this article. This small number of reports does not suggest any particular pattern or mode of inheritance.
  • Variant of amyloidosis: The report of amyloid in skin lesions of only 3 patients makes this theory unlikely.



Acanthosis Nigricans
Amyloidosis, Macular
Dermatopathia Pigmentosa Reticularis
Dyskeratosis Congenita
Epidermal Nevus Syndrome
Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis
Erythrokeratodermia Variabilis
Keratosis Follicularis (Darier Disease)
Naegeli-Franceschetti-Jadassohn Syndrome
Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
Pseudoatrophoderma Colli
Seborrheic Keratosis
Syringoma
Tinea Versicolor

Other Problems to be Considered

Benign or juvenile acanthosis nigricans
Dyschromatosis universalis
Epidermal nevus
Pseudoacanthosis nigricans
Verrucae plana



Lab Studies

  • KOH examination of skin scrapings: P orbiculare or Pityrosporum ovale spores and rarely hyphae may be found.
  • Fungal culture: P orbiculare or P ovale may be cultured in some cases. The laboratory needs to be informed to make specific modifications to the media to grow this yeast.

Other Tests

  • Wood lamp examination: Yellow fluorescence occurs when Pityrosporum organisms are present.

Histologic Findings

In CRP, the epidermis shows compact hyperkeratosis, often associated with the presence of Pityrosporum yeast. Other features are less consistent and include a decreased or absent granular cell layer, papillomatosis, and a stratum spinosum that varies from acanthotic to atrophic. Because papillomatosis is an inconsistent feature, one paper has proposed changing the name of CRP to confluent and reticulated papulosquamous eruption. This name is also less than perfect because most patients have little-to-no scale associated with the lesions. The dermis may contain a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate.

On electron microscopy, some lesions demonstrate an alteration in the arrangement and the structure of cornified cells, an increased transitional cell layer, an increase in the number of lamellar bodies in the stratum granulosum, and an increased number of melanosomes in the stratum corneum.

Immunohistochemical analysis shows suprabasal keratin 16 expression with intense focal staining in the stratum granulosum and an increased number of epidermal cells with Ki-67 binding in the basal layer and stratum malpighii.



Medical Care

CRP is strictly a disorder of the skin that results in cosmetic disfigurement, with no adverse systemic effects; therefore, no treatment is necessary other than for eradication of the rash (see Medication).

  • Many different modalities have been used in the treatment of CRP with variable results. The most consistent results may be seen with minocycline. Other modalities include keratolytics; intramuscular, oral, and topical forms of vitamin A; sodium thiosulphate; ammoniated mercury; oral contraceptives; oral and topical retinoids; thyroid extract; ultraviolet light; propylene glycol; antibiotics; antimycotics; and calcipotriene.
  • The most consistently effective treatment and the only one evaluated by retrospective and prospective studies has been oral antibiotics.
  • Another therapeutic option may be tazarotene gel (Bowman, 2003). The treatment was well-tolerated and may be an alternative to systemic retinoid therapy.

Surgical Care

Surgical treatment of CRP has been unsuccessful.

Diet

The lesions of CRP may regress with weight reduction.



The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications.

Drug Category: Antimycotic agents

These agents are directed against Pityrosporum infection. Selenium also has keratolytic properties.

Drug NameSelenium (Exsel, Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue)
DescriptionBlocks enzymes involved in growth of epithelial tissue.
Adult DoseApply to affected area, leave on for 10 min then rinse; apply qd for 7 d; massage 5-10 mL into wet scalp, leave on scalp 2-3 min, rinse thoroughly, and repeat application; shampoo twice weekly for 2 wk and q1-4wk thereafter
Pediatric DoseApply as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; inflamed skin
InteractionsNone reported
PregnancyC - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
PrecautionsTo avoid systemic toxicity, do not use in broken/open skin; avoid use in very young children

Drug NameClotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex, Femazole-7)
DescriptionBroad-spectrum antifungal agent that inhibits yeast growth by altering cell membrane permeability, causing death of fungal cells. Reevaluate diagnosis if no clinical improvement after 4 wk. Use 1% solution
Adult DoseGently massage into affected area and surrounding skin areas bid for 2-6 wk
Pediatric DoseChildren: Not established
Adolescents: Apply as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity
InteractionsNone reported
PregnancyB - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsNot for treatment of systemic fungal infections; avoid contact with the eyes; discontinue use and institute appropriate therapy if irritation or sensitivity develops

Drug NameMiconazole (Absorbine, Femizol-M, Lotrimin)
DescriptionDamages fungal cell wall membrane by inhibiting biosynthesis of ergosterol. Membrane permeability is increased, causing nutrients to leak out and resulting in fungal cell death. Lotion is preferred in intertriginous areas. If cream is used, apply sparingly to avoid maceration effects. Use 2% cream.
Adult DoseApply to affected areas bid for 2-6 wk
Pediatric DoseApply as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity
InteractionsNone reported
PregnancyC - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
PrecautionsDiscontinue use if sensitivity or chemical irritation occurs; for external use only; avoid contact with eyes

Drug NameKetoconazole (Nizoral)
DescriptionImidazole broad-spectrum antifungal agent; inhibits synthesis of ergosterol, causing cellular components to leak and resulting in fungal cell death.
Adult Dose200 mg PO qd
Pediatric Dose3.3-6.6 mg/kg PO qd
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; fungal meningitis; potent hepatic metabolism inhibitor
InteractionsIsoniazid may decrease bioavailability; coadministration decreases effects of either rifampin or ketoconazole; may increase effect of anticoagulants; may increase toxicity of corticosteroids and cyclosporine (cyclosporine dosage can be adjusted); may decrease theophylline levels
PregnancyC - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
PrecautionsCaution if hepatotoxic drugs used; impaired liver function

Drug Category: Retinoids

These agents correct disorders of keratinization.

Drug NameTretinoin (Retin-A, Avita)
DescriptionInhibits microcomedo formation and eliminates existing lesions. Makes keratinocytes in sebaceous follicles less adherent and easier to remove. Available as 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% creams. Also available as 0.01% and 0.025% gels.
Adult DoseBegin with lowest tretinoin formulation and increase as tolerated; apply hs or qod; lower frequency of application if irritation develops
Pediatric Dose<12 years: Not established
>12 years: Apply as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity
InteractionsToxicity increases with coadministration of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and resorcinol; avoid topical sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid, other keratolytics, abrasives, astringents, spices, and lime
PregnancyC - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
PrecautionsPhotosensitivity may occur with excessive sunlight exposure; caution in eczema; do not apply to mucous membranes, mouth, and angles of nose

Drug NameIsotretinoin (Accutane)
DescriptionOral agent that treats serious dermatologic conditions. Isotretinoin is the synthetic 13-cis isomer of the naturally occurring tretinoin (trans-retinoic acid). Both agents are structurally related to vitamin A. Decreases sebaceous gland size and sebum production. May inhibit sebaceous gland differentiation and abnormal keratinization.
Adult Dose0.5-2 mg/kg/d PO divided bid
Pediatric DoseAdminister as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; pregnancy
InteractionsToxicity may occur with vitamin A coadministration; pseudotumor cerebri or papilledema may occur when coadministered with tetracyclines; may reduce carbamazepine plasma levels
PregnancyX - Contraindicated in pregnancy
PrecautionsMay decrease night vision; inflammatory bowel disease may occur; may be associated with development of hepatitis; occasional exaggerated healing response of acne lesions, (excessive granulation with crusting) may occur; patients with diabetes may experience problems in controlling blood sugar levels while on isotretinoin; avoid exposure to UV light or sunlight until tolerance achieved; discontinue treatment if rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or severe diarrhea occur; mood swings or depression may occur; caution if history of depression

Drug NameTazarotene (Tazorac)
DescriptionRetinoid prodrug whose active metabolite modulates differentiation and proliferation of epithelial tissue; may also have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
Adult DoseApply thin film (ie, 2 mg/cm2) hs to clean, dry skin where acne appears
Pediatric DoseChildren: Not established
Adolescents: Administer as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity
InteractionsDo not use concomitantly with dermatologic drugs or cosmetics that have a strong drying effect on the skin (eg, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, astringents)
PregnancyX - Contraindicated in pregnancy
PrecautionsMay cause burning or stinging sensations; discontinue if excessive irritation; rinse thoroughly if contact with eyes, eyelids, or mouth; may cause severe irritation in eczematous skin; photosensitivity may occur

Drug Category: Antibiotics

These agents are antibacterials, and they may have anti-inflammatory or antiproliferative effects.

Drug NameDoxycycline (Bio-Tab, Doryx)
DescriptionInhibits protein synthesis and, thus, bacterial growth by binding to 30S and possibly 50S ribosomal subunits of susceptible bacteria.
Adult Dose200 mg PO qd
Pediatric Dose<8 years: Not recommended
>8 years: Administer as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; severe hepatic dysfunction
InteractionsBioavailability decreases with antacids containing aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, or bismuth subsalicylate; tetracyclines can increase hypoprothrombinemic effects of anticoagulants; tetracyclines can decrease effects of oral contraceptives, causing breakthrough bleeding and increased risk of pregnancy
PregnancyD - Unsafe in pregnancy
PrecautionsPhotosensitivity may occur with prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning equipment; reduce dose in renal impairment; consider drug serum level determinations in prolonged therapy; tetracycline use during tooth development (last one half of pregnancy through age 8 y) can cause permanent discoloration of teeth; Fanconilike syndrome may occur with outdated tetracyclines

Drug NameMinocycline (Dynacin, Minocin)
DescriptionTreats infections caused by susceptible gram-negative and gram-positive organisms, in addition to infections caused by susceptible Chlamydia, Rickettsia, and Mycoplasma organisms.
Adult Dose50-100 mg PO qd/bid
Pediatric Dose<8 years: Not recommended
>8 years: Administer as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; severe hepatic dysfunction
InteractionsBioavailability decreases with antacids containing aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, or bismuth subsalicylate; can decrease effects of oral contraceptives, causing breakthrough bleeding and increased risk of pregnancy; tetracyclines can increase hypoprothrombinemic effects of anticoagulants
PregnancyD - Unsafe in pregnancy
PrecautionsPhotosensitivity may occur with prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning equipment; reduce dose in renal impairment; consider drug serum level determinations in prolonged therapy; tetracycline use during tooth development (last one half of pregnancy through age 8 y) can cause permanent discoloration of teeth; Fanconilike syndrome may occur with outdated tetracyclines

Drug NameAzithromycin (Zithromax)
DescriptionUsed to treat uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections. Acts by binding to 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms and blocks dissociation of peptidyl tRNA from ribosomes, causing RNA-dependent protein synthesis to arrest.
Adult Dose500 mg PO on day 1 and 250 mg PO qd on days 2-5
Pediatric Dose10-20 mg/kg PO qd
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; hepatic impairment; do not administer with pimozide
InteractionsMay increase toxicity of theophylline, warfarin, and digoxin; effects are reduced with coadministration of aluminum and/or magnesium antacids; nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity may occur when coadministered with cyclosporine
PregnancyB - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsSite reactions can occur with IV route; bacterial or fungal overgrowth may result with prolonged antibiotic use; may increase hepatic enzymes and cholestatic jaundice; caution in patients with impaired hepatic function, prolonged QT intervals, or pneumonia; caution in hospitalized, geriatric, or debilitated patients

Drug NameErythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab)
DescriptionInhibits bacterial growth, possibly by blocking dissociation of peptidyl tRNA from ribosomes, causing RNA-dependent protein synthesis to arrest.
Adult Dose250 mg erythromycin stearate/base (or 400 mg ethylsuccinate) q6h PO 1 h ac, or 500 mg q12h
Alternatively, 333 mg PO q8h; increase to 4 g/d depending on severity of infection
Pediatric Dose30-50 mg/kg/d (15-25 mg/lb/d) PO divided q6-8h; double dose for severe infection
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; hepatic impairment
InteractionsCoadministration may increase toxicity of theophylline, digoxin, carbamazepine, and cyclosporine; may potentiate anticoagulant effects of warfarin; coadministration with lovastatin and simvastatin, increases risk of rhabdomyolysis; decreases metabolism of repaglinide, thus increasing serum levels and effects
PregnancyB - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsCaution in liver disease; estolate formulation may cause cholestatic jaundice; adverse GI effects are common (give doses pc); discontinue use if nausea, vomiting, malaise, abdominal colic, or fever occur

Drug NameClarithromycin (Biaxin)
DescriptionSemisynthetic macrolide antibiotic that reversibly binds to P site of 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible organisms and may inhibit RNA-dependent protein synthesis by stimulating dissociation of peptidyl t-RNA from ribosomes, causing bacterial growth inhibition.
Adult Dose250 mg PO bid for 7-14 d
Pediatric Dose7.5 mg/kg PO bid; not to exceed 500 mg PO bid
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; coadministration of pimozide
InteractionsToxicity increases with coadministration of fluconazole and pimozide; effects decrease and adverse GI effects may increase with coadministration of rifabutin or rifampin; may increase toxicity of anticoagulants, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, digoxin, carbamazepine, ergot alkaloids, triazolam, and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors; plasma levels of certain benzodiazepines may increase, prolonging CNS depression; arrhythmias and increases in QTc intervals occur with disopyramide; coadministration with omeprazole may increase plasma levels of both agents; decreases metabolism of repaglinide, thus increasing serum levels and effects
PregnancyC - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
PrecautionsCoadministration with ranitidine or bismuth citrate is not recommended with CrCl <25 mL/min; give half dose or increase dosing interval if CrCl <30 mL/min; diarrhea may be sign of pseudomembranous colitis; superinfections may occur with prolonged or repeated antibiotic therapies.

Drug NameCefdinir (Omnicef)
DescriptionThird-generation cephalosporin indicated for uncomplicated skin infections.
Adult Dose300 mg PO qd
Pediatric Dose7 mg/kg PO qd
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity
InteractionsMay increase hypoprothrombinemic effects of anticoagulants; coadministration with potent diuretics and aminoglycosides (eg, loop diuretics) may increase nephrotoxicity
PregnancyB - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsReduce dose by one half if CrCl is 10-30 mL/min and by one fourth if <10 mL/min; bacterial or fungal overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms may occur with prolonged or repeated therapy

Drug NameFusidic acid (Fusidin Leo)
DescriptionSteroidal antibacterial with bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity, mainly against gram-positive bacteria, that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by inhibiting a factor necessary for translocation of peptide subunits and elongation of the peptide chain.
Adult Dose500-750 mg PO q8h
Pediatric Dose<1 year: 50 mg/kg/d PO in 3 divided doses
1-5 years: 250 mg tid PO
5-12 years: 500 mg tid PO
>12 years: Administer as in adults
ContraindicationsAdminister with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, biliary disease, or biliary obstruction; competes with bilirubin for binding to albumin in vitro and caution advised if given to premature, jaundiced, acidotic, or seriously ill neonates because of risk of kernicterus
InteractionsDrugs metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzymes (avoid concurrent administration); combined with simvastatin, fusidic acid therapy may result in rhabdomyolysis; coadministration with atorvastatin causes significant elevations of both agents; mutual inhibition of metabolism between protease inhibitors and fusidic acid may occur, thus avoid use of fusidic acid with saquinavir or ritonavir
PregnancyC - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
PrecautionsLeukopenia, granulocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia reported with therapy

Drug Category: Antipsoriatic agents

These agents correct disorders of keratinization.

Drug NameCalcipotriene (Dovonex) and Tacalcitol
DescriptionSynthetic vitamin D-3 analog that regulates skin cell production and development. Use 0.005% cream, ointment, or solution.
Adult DoseApply a thin film to affected skin bid
Pediatric DoseApply as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; hypercalcemia; vitamin D toxicity
InteractionsNone reported
PregnancyC - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
PrecautionsDiscontinue treatment if skin becomes irritated; discontinue if serum calcium level is increased outside of reference range



Prognosis

  • CRP is a chronic disease characterized by exacerbations and remissions. Discontinuation of successful therapy usually results in recurrence.



Medical/Legal Pitfalls

  • Failure to distinguish acanthosis nigricans from CRP may result in failure to diagnosis a malignancy. (Some forms of acanthosis nigricans represent a paraneoplastic syndrome.)



Media file 1:  Grayish brown hyperkeratotic papules and plaques in a confluent pattern on the intermammary region with a reticular pattern peripherally.
Click to see larger pictureClick to see detailView Full Size Image
Media type:  Photo

Media file 2:  Close-up view of the interscapular area, again demonstrating a confluent pattern centrally and a more reticular pattern peripherally.
Click to see larger pictureClick to see detailView Full Size Image
Media type:  Photo

Media file 3:  A biopsy specimen showing hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, and a mild superficial perivascular inflammation (hematoxylin and eosin, original magnification X125).
Click to see larger pictureClick to see detailView Full Size Image
Media type:  Photo



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Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis excerpt

Article Last Updated: Mar 21, 2006