The similarity between pustular psoriasis (PP) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) poses problems in the diagnosis and treatment of these two conditions. Significant clinical and histopathologic overlap exists between PP and AGEP. PP is an inflammatory disorder that has numerous clinical subtypes, but all with sterile pustules composed of neutrophils. AGEP is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction that is also characterized by non-follicular sterile pustules. Clinical features that suggest a diagnosis of PP over AGEP include a history of psoriasis and the presence of scaling plaques. Histologically, eosinophilic spongiosis, vacuolar interface dermatitis, and dermal eosinophilia favor a diagnosis of AGEP over PP. Importantly, PP and AGEP vary in clinical course and treatment. PP treatment involves topical steroids, oral retinoids, and systemic immunosuppressants. Newer therapies targeting IL-36, IL-23, IL-1, and PDE-4 have been investigated. The removal of the offending agent is a crucial part of the treatment of AGEP.
Verrucous sarcoidosis is a rare cutaneous variant of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas that primarily involves the lungs. The current literature on verrucous sarcoidosis is limited, with the majority of lesions presenting on the lower extremities of African American males. Here, we present two cases that highlight the unique manifestations of this uncommon cutaneous entity. The first case involves a middle-aged Hispanic woman with lesions on her arms and face, and the second case involves a middle-aged African American woman with sole facial involvement. A multi-disciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment is required as verrucous sarcoidosis can present with clinical and histopathological features indistinguishable from infectious etiologies and has an association with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Adalimumab has demonstrated success in the treatment of verrucous sarcoidosis.
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