How do you prevent terra firma forme dermatosis?
Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary referrals, biopsies, blood tests, and medications, we suggest a trial of wiping the skin lesion with 70% isopropyl alcohol pads when the diagnosis of terra-firma forme dermatosis is considered.
Is Terra Firma forme dermatosis rare?
It is a rare type of keratinization disorder characterized by an asymptomatic brownish gray or black dirt-like patch that cannot be removed with soap and water and cleansers, but needs wiping with isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
How is TFFD caused?
The exact cause of TFFD is still unclear. Histopathological studies are limited, but lamellar hyperkeratosis, compact orthokeratosis with whorls, keratin globules in the stratum corneum, increased melanin, and Malassezia furfur spores in the basal layer have been reported.
What causes dermatitis Neglecta?
Dermatitis neglecta is caused by a lack of personal hygiene, often in one area of the body that is difficult to reach or painful to wash. Symptoms may take a few months to develop. The patches that form, called plaques, may be waxy, dark, and slightly raised. The skin may also appear red, inflamed, and irritated.
Does rubbing alcohol get rid of hyperpigmentation?
Areas of dark-brown hyperpigmentation could be completely rubbed off with isopropyl alcohol (Fig. 2).
Does Terra Firma-forme dermatosis go away?
Terra firma-forme dermatosis usually responds completely to treatment and rarely recurs. Patients can be reassured this is a benign condition, and they can use alcohol wipes to remove any recurrent lesions.
What is Terra Firma-forme dermatosis?
Terra firma-forme dermatosis (TFFD) is a benign condition that presents with asymptomatic brown to black plaques and resembles dirty skin. It is especially observed in the face, neck, and trunk in young patients. The plaques can be localized or generalized.
What is Terra Firma forme dermatosis?
What causes dermatitis Artefacta?
Dermatitis artefacta is a condition in which skin lesions are solely produced or inflicted by the patient’s own actions. This usually occurs as a result or manifestation of a psychological problem. It could be a form of emotional release in situations of distress or part of an attention seeking behaviour.
What is terra firma forme dermatosis (tffd)?
Terra firma-forme dermatosis (TFFD), sometimes referred to as Duncan’s dirty dermatosis, is a condition characterized by asymptomatic, hyperpigmented, dirtlike plaques that are resistant to regular washing with soap and water but easily rub off with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Can isopropyl alcohol remove terra firma-forme dermatosis?
While the neck is a common site, terra firma-forme dermatosis can also appear on other body regions, from the extremities and torso to the scalp. It is very satisfying for both the patient and clinician to see a cosmetically bothersome skin condition disappear with simple application of isopropyl alcohol.
What is Terra Firma?
Terra firma is Latin for ‘dry land,’ reflecting the appearance of affected areas as islands of dirty skin. These areas are not truly dirty but give this impression due to abnormal keratinisation.
Why is it called Dirty dermatosis?
It derives its name from the Latin phrase terra-firma meaning dry land (dirt), thus implying dirt-like dermatosis. However, it has also been referred to as Duncan’s Dirty Dermatosis in honor of the physician who initially described this condition in Houston in 1987 [1].