Dowling-Degos' disease mimicking chloracne

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1992 Aug;27(2 Pt 2):345-8. doi: 10.1016/0190-9622(92)70197-n.

Abstract

We describe a patient with clinical features that resembled severe chloracne; however, histopathologic findings revealed a reticulated pigmented anomaly. Innumerable comedones, many cysts, acneiform scarring, and flexural and facial pigmentation were noted in this patient, who is a machinist. A serum test for polychlorinated biphenyl was negative, which eliminated a diagnosis of chloracne. The spectrum of clinical features of the histologically well-defined Dowling-Degos' disease is discussed; in this disease lesions can be flexural or acral and can appear as macules, comedones, or cysts.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / chemically induced
  • Acne Vulgaris / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pigmentation Disorders / pathology*
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / adverse effects

Substances

  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls