Acneiform eruptions, oracne mimicking eruptions, are a group ofskin conditions characterized bysmall bumps resemblingacne.[1] Typically, these bumps are mostly of similar size.[1] Somebumps may be bigger orcontain fluid.[2] Generally,blackheads and whiteheads are absent.[2] It tends to appear suddenly, with the chest and back most frequently affected.[2]
| Acneiform eruption | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Facialangiofibromas caused bytuberous sclerosis mimicking acne | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Small bumps resemblingacne[1] |
Causes includecosmetics, the application of greasy products, and some medicines.[1] Repeated rubbing of skin and pressure are other triggers.[2] The facial bumps oftuberous sclerosis can resemble acne.[2] Any age can be affected.[2]
Signs and symptoms
editPapules andpustules with no truecomedones are mostly found on the trunk and back. Nodulocystic lesions are uncommon. In contrast toacne, these lesions can appear anywhere on the body, not just on the face. When the cause is a drug eruption, the individual will usually specify that the lesions go away once the medication is stopped.[2]
Causes
editInfections, changes inhormones ormetabolism,genetic disorders,drug reactions, chemical contact, friction, and pressure can all cause acne-like eruptions.[2]
In general,drugs that cause acneiform eruptions can aggravate or cause the reappearance of pre-existing acne. The most common type ofdrug-induced acne issteroid acne. It is seen as a side effect ofglucocorticosteroid treatment and also after steroid inhalation. It almost always happens a few weeks after starting the therapy.[3]
Acneiform eruptions can also be caused by other hormones.Corticotropin can cause papules, but only after prolonged exposure. Acneiform eruptions can also occur when naturalandrogens, such astestosterone, are used in overly tall boys, or whensynthetic androgens, such asdanazol, are used.[4]
Certainanticonvulsant medications can also aggravate pre-existing acne or trigger acneiform eruptions following a few weeks. This is a side effect ofhydantoins,trimethadione,primidone, andphenobarbital.Dantrolene is ahydantoin derivative that can aggravate acne or cause acneiform eruptions.
A number ofpsychopharmacological drugs have been linked to acneiform eruptions. This effect is seen withphenothiazines,diazepam, andchloral hydrate, but particularly withlithium carbonate.[3]
Diagnosis
editAcneiform eruptions differentiate themselves from acne vulgaris by a history of sudden onset, a monomorphic morphology, eruption development at any age, affecting the trunk more frequently than the face, not always affectingsebaceous areas of the body, and the rarity ofcyst formation. In most cases, the diagnosis is made clinically, but if there is any doubt, abiopsy or culture of any discharge may be obtained. Another method for making a diagnosis is to withdraw the suspected medication.[2]
References
edit- ^abcdPlewig, Gerd; Melnik, Bodo; Chen, WenChieh (2019)."9 Acne mimicking diseases".Plewig and Kligman ́s Acne and Rosacea. Switzerland: Springer. p. 299-404.ISBN 978-3-319-49273-5.
- ^abcdefghiNair, Pragya A.; Salazar, Francisco J. (July 31, 2023)."Acneiform Eruptions". StatPearls Publishing.PMID 29083685. RetrievedNovember 17, 2023.
- ^abPlewig, Gerd; Kligman, Albert M. (2000). "Acneiform Eruptions".Acne and rosacea. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. p. 432–439.doi:10.1007/978-3-642-59715-2_50.ISBN 978-3-540-66751-3. RetrievedNovember 16, 2023.
- ^Du-Thanh, Aurélie; Kluger, Nicolas; Bensalleh, Houdna; Guillot, Bernard (2011)."Drug-Induced Acneiform Eruption".American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.12 (4). Springer Science and Business Media LLC:233–245.doi:10.2165/11588900-000000000-00000.ISSN 1175-0561. RetrievedNovember 16, 2023.