Access Dermatology

History

A 47-year-old woman was referred to our clinic for evaluation of recurrent, asymptomatic, non-scarring erythematous lesions on her neck, both shoulders and right upper arm. The first papuloerythematous lesions appeared 3 years ago on her right cheek, back and décolleté. Exposure to sunlight exacerbated the lesions, but they were present also during the wintertime.

The differential diagnosis included polymorphic light eruption, figurate erythema, pseudolymphoma and borrelial lymphocytoma. The diagnosis of lupus erythematosus was previously excluded, since the histological findings were not characteristic and the antinuclear antibodies were negative. Without a definitive diagnosis, the lesions were treated, elsewhere, with topical steroids. However, a complete remission was never achieved.

Her medical history was significant for asthma and polyallergy (milk products, pet dander, house dust mites, molds, pollen). In addition, she experienced a benign breast adenoma, surgery for a myomatous uterus, cholecystolithiasis and a thyroid adenoma. She was regularly taking iodine (75 mg daily) and contraceptives. Otherwise, she was in good general condition. Her family history was unremarkable.