Ashy dermatosis in pediatric age. Report of a new case: clinical, histological and dermoscopic features

Abstract

SummaryAshy Dermatosis (AD) is a rare acquired dermatosis characterised by bluish-grey coloured macules, of variable shape and size, more frequently involving the trunk and the arms. AD generally affects dark phototypes, more frequent in Central and South America. It usually appears in young adults, more often in women, but few cases have also been reported in childhood. Over the years there has been much confusion about terminology: in fact, many terms have been used to describe similar clinical features such as erythema dyschromicum perstans, idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation and lichen planus pigmentosus. Usually the diagnosis of AD is performed on the basis of the clinical rash, even if sometimes the characteristic features could be absent in consideration of the stage of the disease. Then in the hypothesis of AD usually also a skin biopsy is necessary to assess the final diagnosis. We report the use of a new tool, recently described, that in our opinion could be helpful in the diagnosis of AD. Dermoscopy is a non invasive exam that can be performed easily also in children. We suppose that the recognition of detailed dermoscopic features could represent a valid diagnostic aid and could allow to avoid a skin biopsy.