Erythrosis interfollicularis colli and cutis rhomboidalis nuchae: two sides of a coin.

INTRODUCTION

Chronic exposure to sunlight accelerates extrinsic aging due to changes in the extracellular matrix. Cutis rhomboidalis nuchae and erythrosis interfollicularis colli are two benign skin disorders related to extrinsic aging.

METHODS

The study investigated possible co-occurrence in 50 male patients that developed skin cancer due to professional outdoor work, and demonstrated cutis rhomboidalis nuchae clinically and by dermoscopy.

RESULTS

The study observed 11 cases of co-existent erythrosis interfollicularis colli characterized by perifollicular white halos in dermoscopy. These patients had Fitzpatrick skin type II or III but not type I. The severity of erythrosis interfollicularis colli was diminished in the area of cutis rhomboidalis nuchae. Basal cell carcinomas were seen in only one patient on the borders of cutis rhomboidalis nuchae, whereas erythrosis interfollicularis colli did not prevent development of basal cell carcinomas. Actinic keratoses were seen in nine of 11 patients with erythrosis interfollicularis colli, but not with cutis rhomboidalis skin.

CONCLUSIONS

This study argues for a local protective effect of cutis rhomboidalis nuchae against other ultraviolet light-induced cutaneous pathologies.