Observation:
Primary anetoderma is very uncommon in childhood. The exact pathogenesis and curative treatment of anetoderma are still unknown. We report a 12 -year-old girl presented with multiple elevated or herniated, circumscribed, skin-coloured papules which initially emerged as erythematous macules over her neck, trunk, upper and lower extremities. Histopathological examination of a papular lesion revealed mild perivascular lymphocytic inflammation in the mid-dermis, fragmented and loss of elastic fibres in dermis. No associated autoimmune disease was detected. Based on clinical and pathological findings, the patient was diagnosed as Jadassohn – Pellizzari type primary anetoderma. The patient was put on daily oral 500 mg ascorbic acid and 200IU alpha tocopherol. Lesions did not regressed; however, new lesions did not develop during 9- months of therapy. No adverse effect was detected. 3 months after ceasing antioxidant therapy, the patient had an upper respiratory tract infection preceding a few new anetoderma lesions. The antioxidants were re-administered promptly and no additional lesions were observed. Our case attracts attention to the possibility of oxidative stress accompanying systemic immunological responses that may cause anetoderma and to the efficacy of antioxidants in this disorder.
Keywords: Antioxidant, elastic fibers, Jadassohn - Pellizzari type, primary anetoderma