Subcorneal pustular dermatosis is a rare and self-limiting, but recurring disorder of the skin distinguished by the appearance of sterile pustules in a symmetrical fashion over the trunk and the flexor parts of the extremities. The pathogenesis of this condition is incompletely understood, but it is assumed that some form of immune-mediated reaction leads to accumulation of neutrophils below the stratum corneum, which is the main feature under microscopy. Clinical findings and a biopsy of the lesion are two main components of the diagnostic workup.
Presentation
Subcorneal pustular dermatosis, initially known as Sneddon-Wilkinson disease, is considered to be a rare cutaneous disorder that belongs to a group of neutrophilic dermatoses [1] [2] [3]. Although the exact etiology remains to be elucidated, skin lesions arise due to an abundant presence of neutrophils below the stratum corneum, presumably as a result of the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-8 that act as chemoattractants for neutrophils [2] [4]. For some reason, subcorneal pustular dermatosis is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged and older women aged 40 or more years [1] [3]. The clinical presentation is characterized by the appearance of sterile pustular lesions on the trunk, the intertriginous areas (the axillae, the submammary areas, and the groins), and the flexor areas of the upper or lower limbs [2] [3] [5] [6] [7] [8]. These pustules are symmetrically distributed and often form blistering lesions [3] [5] [6]. Despite the benign and self-limiting nature of the condition, a chronic course with frequent recurrences are hallmarks of subcorneal pustular dermatosis, which may be debilitating for the patient [1] [3]. Because of the undisclosed cause, the precipitating factors for recurrence are yet to be revealed.
Entire Body System
Gastrointestinal
- Rectal Discharge
A man aged 56 years with a history of ulcerative colitis (UC) status postsubtotal colectomy was hospitalised with fevers, dry cough, eye redness and a new bloody, mucoid rectal discharge. 2 months prior to admission, the dermatologist had started him [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
discharge. 2 months prior to admission, the dermatologist had started him on dapsone for subcorneal pustular dermatosis but did not recognise that he had recently self-discontinued mesalamine enemas, inducing a flare of his UC. [casereports.bmj.com]
Skin
- Blister
The lesions typically have the appearance of “half-half” blisters, with half of each blister containing pus and half containing clear fluid. The blisters eventually coalesce, giving rise to annular and serpiginous arrangements. [nejm.org]
Histologic findings showed subcorneal blisters filled with polymorphonuclear leukocytes typical of subcorneal pustular dermatosis. Dapsone and prednisolone with a topical fluocinolone acetonide did not produce improvement. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
OLS > Experimental Factor Ontology EFO > EFO:1000771 http://www.ebi.ac.uk/efo/EFO_1000771 Skin diseases characterized by local or general distributions of blisters. They are classified according to the site and mode of blister formation. [ebi.ac.uk]
The primary lesions are pea-sized pustules classically described as half-pustular, half-clear flaccid fluid blisters. [unboundmedicine.com]
- Eczema
Cheiropompholyx, Dyshidrotic Eczema, Pompholyx, Podopompholyx,) Stasis Dermatitis (42 %) ( Congestion Eczema, Gravitational Dermatitis, Gravitational Eczema, Stasis Eczema, Varicose Eczema,) Toxic Shock Syndrome (39 %) ( Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome [gulfdoctor.net]
L20.84 Intrinsic (allergic) eczema Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes. [icd10data.com]
We use systematic evaluation of common skin conditions with new visual tools such as dermoscopy as well as machine-learning techniques that enabled us to develop eczema-detecting algorithms. [navarinilab.com]
Subcorneal pustular dermatosis presents with flaccid pustules in.Oral Abstracts - eaaci ; Apr 21, 2016 ... eczema craquelé-like, pustulosis, and NME-like patches. No significant .... Method. [wcsbdbmf.cf]
(more popularly known as dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx) is an intensely pruritic, vesicular eruption affecting the palms, soles. 14 May 2013 Psoriasis palmoplantar: Cuando caminar duele. [afytuzyr.xpg.uol.com.br]
- Hyperpigmentation
The pustules were sterile, had some tendency to grouping, were accompanied by moderate to severe pruritus and some hyperpigmentation. They responded fairly well to sulfapyridine and the sulfones. [jamanetwork.com]
Residual scarring and postlesional hyperpigmentation was seen at a 2-month follow-up appointment (Fig. 1 e). No side effects were noted in response to infliximab. [karger.com]
The pustules used to dry up in 6-7 days to form thin, dry crusts that fell leaving hyperpigmentation. There were no oral lesions. Nikolsky sign was negative. A skin biopsy revealed histological features of SCPD. [ijdvl.com]
There is no atrophy or scarring, but an occasional brownish hyperpigmentation may mark previously affected sites. Variable intervals of quiescence, lasting from a few days to several weeks, may be followed by the sudden development of new lesions. [plasticsurgerykey.com]
- Pruritus
The pustular eruption typically involves the flexural sites of the trunk and proximal extremities with pruritus and irritation symptoms. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
621 199 Pruritus ani 629 200 Pruritus vulvae 631 201 Pseudofolliculitis barbae 634 202 Pseudoxanthoma elasticum 638 203 Psoriasis 640 204 Psychogenic excoriation 651 205 Pyoderma gangrenosum 654 206 Pyogenic granuloma 659 207 Radiation dermatitis 662 [books.google.com]
The pustules were sterile, had some tendency to grouping, were accompanied by moderate to severe pruritus and some hyperpigmentation. They responded fairly well to sulfapyridine and the sulfones. [jamanetwork.com]
It may be preceded or accompanied by fever and pruritus. [scielo.br]
Simon de Veer Thesis (PDF 32MB) - QUT ePrints ; Atopic dermatitis, corneocyte, desmosome, desquamation, drug discovery, epidermis, ...... cutaneous side effects, including a pustular rash, dry skin and pruritus (Mascia et ...... in triplicate, after which [wcsbdbmf.cf]
- Pustular Rash
Pustular rashes - Oxford Medicine ; Introduction316Skin problems presenting with pustules317Pustular rashes of the head and neck318Pustular rashes of trunk and limbs322Acral pustular rashes324Pustular rashes in neonates and infants325(figure 20.1) are [zgxrrbli.cf]
Simon de Veer Thesis (PDF 32MB) - QUT ePrints ; Atopic dermatitis, corneocyte, desmosome, desquamation, drug discovery, epidermis, ...... cutaneous side effects, including a pustular rash, dry skin and pruritus (Mascia et ...... in triplicate, after which [wcsbdbmf.cf]
[…] has been reported in a patient with Crohn disease on anti-TNF-alpha blocker therapy. [51] Drug related Drug rashes and the drugs implicated in causing a pustular rash include the following: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors (such as [online.epocrates.com]
Neurologic
- Myelopathy
[…] relevant points arise from this case: the association of the dermatosis with an IgAlambda myeloma that, as far as we know, has been described only three times previously; the longest period of time between the onset of the dermatosis and that of the myelopathy [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
[…] disorder *angiopathy 【血管神経膠腫】*angioglioma 【血管神経膠腫症】*angiogliomatosis 【血管神経症】*vasoneurosis *angioneuropathy 【血管心臓炎】*angiocarditis 【血管性耳炎】*angiotitis (=耳血管炎) 【血管性水腫】*vascular edema 【血管性痴呆】*vascular dementia 【血管性母斑】*vascular nevus 【血管性ミエロパチー】*vascular myelopathy [medo.jp]
Workup
The differential diagnosis of subcorneal pustular dermatosis is broad, encompassing other neutrophilic dermatoses (Sweet's syndrome, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and generalized pustular psoriasis) and systemic conditions that include this cutaneous disorder in the presentation, such as various lymphoproliferative disorders (eg. multiple myeloma) and immunoglobinopathies [1] [2] [3]. For this reason, the identification of subcorneal pustular dermatosis mandates a thorough workup and a histopathological examination. As a first step, however, the physician must obtain a detailed patient history that will identify the chronic and relapsing pattern of the lesions, whereas a physical exam is crucial for observing the pattern of distribution and the appearance of skin lesions. As soon as clinical suspicion is raised, a biopsy sample should be obtained for the purposes of performing a histopathological examination. The hallmark of neutrophilic dermatoses is the presence of a break below the stratum corneum that contains a dense neutrophilic infiltrate with a normal underlying epidermis [1] [5] [7] [8]. Additionally, exclusion of immunoglobinopathies and autoimmune disorders can be made by carrying out an immunofluorescence exam that is virtually always negative [3] [8], although rare cases of immunoglobulin (Ig)A-presenting antibodies in the epidermis were documented, thus pointing toward IgA pemphigus as a potential differential diagnosis [3].
X-Ray
- Anterior Mediastinal Mass
CT scan of thorax showed a large, moderately enhancing anterior mediastinal mass abutting left anterior chest wall and great vessels with clear demarcation. [e-ijd.org]
Microbiology
- Coccidioides Immitis
Abstract Coccidioidomycosis (AKA "Valley fever") is a primary pulmonary infection via airborne spores released from coccidioides immitis in the soil. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
immitis. ( 26437157 ) Iyengar S....Sharon V.R. 2015 14 Successful treatment of subcorneal pustular dermatosis with maxacalcitol. ( 25991581 ) Hoshina D....Furuya K. 2015 15 Antidesmocollin 1 autoantibody negative subcorneal pustular dermatosis-type IgA [malacards.org]
Subcorneal pustular dermatosis associated with Coccidioides immitis. Dermatol Online J. 2015 Aug 15. 21 (8): [Medline]. Taniguchi S, Tsuruta D, Kutsuna H, Hamada T. Subcorneal pustular dermatosis in a patient with hyperthyroidism. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Treatment
Diagnosing IgA pemphigus and distinguishing between its 2 subtypes, intraepidermal neutrophilic IgA dermatosis type and subcorneal pustular dermatosis type, is important because treatment of IgA pemphigus has to be different from treatment of other blistering [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Complete remission was achieved with systemic acitretin treatment. [archives-inflammation.imedpub.com]
No undesirable effects of the drug were noticed during the course of treatment. Colchicine's value in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis is well establised. [ijdvl.com]
Prognosis
[…] maintenance with a lower dose is sometimes needed Other treatment options include sulfapyridine or sulfamethoxypyridazine, acitretin, colchicine, phototherapy and biologic therapies Systemic steroids are generally ineffective and can precipitate a flare-up Prognosis [pcds.org.uk]
Prognosis : good if responds to treatment. Pathogenesis Etiology Not known, but likely to be immune-mediated. Pathophysiology Immune complexes and IgA in stratum corneum → neutrophil chemotaxis and subcorneal pustule formation. [vetstream.com]
It has been reported in children, without differences described in clinical features and prognosis between children and adults, but some cases tend to have atypical features more suggestive of psoriasis. [22, 23, 24] Prognosis Subcorneal pustular dermatosis [emedicine.medscape.com]
Dermatosis · Bacterial impetigo · Dermatitis herpetiformis · Pemphigus foliaceus · Immunoglobulin A pemphigus/intraepidermal immunoglobulin A pustulosis · Pustular psoriasis · Necrolytic migratory erythema · Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis ▪ PROGNOSIS [dermaamin.com]
Etiology
Sneddon-Wilkinson disease or subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD) is a rare, benign inflammatory skin disorder of unknown etiology. SPD is associated with various systemic disorders, including immunoglobinopathies and lymphoproliferative disorders. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Etiologies include immunologic and genetic factors. [ebi.ac.uk]
Although the exact etiology remains to be elucidated, skin lesions arise due to an abundant presence of neutrophils below the stratum corneum, presumably as a result of the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-8 that act as chemoattractants [symptoma.com]
Epidemiology
Definition / general Rare, recurrent, noninfective, nonautoimmune pustular eruption of unknown etiology Terminology Also called Sneddon-Wilkinson disease Epidemiology Associated with benign or malignant IgA paraproteinemia, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, [pathologyoutlines.com]
Epidemiology There is no racial predilection. Most of the reported cases have been in whites, but the disease has also been observed in Africans, Japanese, and Chinese. [plasticsurgerykey.com]
Current and historic epidemiologic studies. J Invest Dermatol 1989; 92:4. Brenner S, Wohl Y. A survey of sex differences in 249 pemphigus patients and possible explanations. Skinmed 2007; 6:163. Bastuji-Garin S, Souissi R, Blum L, et al. [pemphigus.org]
▪ EPIDEMIOLOGY There is no racial predilection. Most of the reported cases have been in whites, but the disease has also been observed in Africans, Japanese, and Chinese. [dermaamin.com]
OUTLINE EPIDEMIOLOGY CHARACTERIZATION SYNONYMS Subcorneal pustular dermatosis AGE RANGE-MEDIAN >40 years Mean of 66 years SEX (M:F) F DISEASE ASSOCIATIONS CHARACTERIZATION CROHN'S DISEASE Subcorneal pustular dermatosis in a patient with Crohn's disease [thedoctorsdoctor.com]
Pathophysiology
However, to date its exact pathophysiology is unknown. Cases in association with pyoderma gangrenosum, benign monoclonal IgA gammopathy and multiple myeloma are well documented. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Pathophysiology Immune complexes and IgA in stratum corneum → neutrophil chemotaxis and subcorneal pustule formation. [vetstream.com]
Prevention
Thus, unnecessary therapy and contamination among people can be prevented. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
This case illustrates the importance of careful history taking and of early recognition of extraintestinal manifestations of IBD in order to appropriately target treatment and prevent unnecessary morbidity. [casereports.bmj.com]
Treatment Treatment is aimed at preventing complications. Dapsone is often successful, with the lesions resolving over a month. Ongoing maintenance with a lower dose is sometimes needed. [dermnetnz.org]
European journal of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation: official journal of the European Society of Cardiology, Working Groups on Epidemiology & Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Physiology. 2007; 14 :438–40. 5. [clinicaldermatology.eu]
References
- Abreu-Velez AM, Smith JG, Howard MS. Subcorneal pustular dermatosis an immnohisto-pathological perspective. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2011;4(5):526-529.
- Ono S, Otsuka A, Miyachi Y, Kabashima K. Subcorneal Pustular Dermatosis Exhibiting a High Serum TARC/CCL17 Level. Case Rep Dermatol. 2013;5(1):38-42.
- Ratnarathorn M, Newman J. Subcorneal pustular dermatosis (Sneddon-Wilkinson disease) occurring in association with nodal marginal zone lymphoma: a case report. Dermatol Online J. 2008;14(8):6.
- Keller M, Spanou Z, Schaerli P, Britschgi M, Yawalkar N, Seitz M, Villiger PM, Pichler WJ. T cell-regulated neutrophilic inflammation in autoinflammatory diseases. J Immunol. 2005;175:7678–7686.
- Cheng S, Edmonds E, Ben-Gashir M, Yu RC. Subcorneal pustular dermatosis: 50 years on. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2008;33(3):229-233.
- Watts PJ, Khachemoune A. Subcorneal Pustular Dermatosis: A Review of 30 Years of Progress. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016;17(6):653-671.
- Nischal KC, Khopkar U. An approach to the diagnosis of neutrophilic dermatoses: A histo-pathological perspective. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2007;73:222–230.
- Kretschmer L, Maul J-T, Hofer T, Navarini AA. Interruption of Sneddon-Wilkinson Subcorneal Pustulation with Infliximab. Case Rep Dermatol. 2017;9(1):140-144.