Dowling-Degos disease: a rare spectrum of the reticulate pigmentary disorders

Chavalit Supsrisunjai; Narumol Silpa-archa

Authors

Chavalit Supsrisunjai DEPARTMENT OF DERMATOLOGY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE SIRIRAJ HOSPITAL, MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND
Narumol Silpa-archa DEPARTMENT OF DERMATOLOGY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE SIRIRAJ HOSPITAL, MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND

Keywords:

Dowling-Degos-Disease, hyperpigmentation, reticulate

Abstract

Dowling-Degos disease (DDD) is a rare genetic disorder of the skin. It is characterized by reticulate brownish pigmentation predominantly in flexural areas, comedo-like papules on the back and neck and pitted perioral or facial scars. We reported a case presented with hyperpigmented macules in his axillae, cubital fossae, popliteal fossae, neck, face, back and dorsa of both hands. There were comedo-like papules and pitted scars at his upper back. The histopathology shows the characteristic findings of Dowling-Degos disease including lentiginous hyperplasia with thinning of the suprapapillary plates and increased pigmentation of the basal layer. Various similar conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis. At present, most of the treatment options are not satisfactory.

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