Perniosis: clinical and epidemiological study in Iraqi patients

ABSTRACT

Perniosis [chilblains] is a common skin problem. This condition results from abnormal reaction to cold which is usually seen during the cold months of year. The aim of the present study is to shed a light on different clinical and epidemiological aspects of perniosis in Iraq. A total of 40 patients with perniosis were seen between January to march 2008 in the department of dermatology and venereology of Baghdad Teaching Hospital. A detailed history was taken from each patient regarding age, sex, occupation, duration of attack, family history, smoking, drug history, medical history, relieving and aggrevating factors and previous treatment modality. Full examination was done to each patient to assess the distribution and extent and morphology of the lesions and to see if there other skin diseases. Biopsies was done for 6 patients for histopathological study. A total of 40 patients were assessed. Their ages ranged from 5-60 years with a mean age of 22 SD +/- 6.2, 31 females and 9 males [3.51]. Main sites of involvemnt were; toes 39%, fingers 22%, heals 10% and nose 2.5%. Main types of lesions were; erythematous cyanotic swellings 82%, vesicular lesions 23%, ulcerations 10% and erythema multiforme like lesions 15%. Family history was positive in 22.5% of patients. Perniosis occur mainly in females between 10-20 years. Most common sites of involvement are toes and fingers genetic susceptibility is an important factor in the development of the disease. Majority of patients are healthy without any medical or dermatological diseases. Majority are non smokers and did not have any history of drug intake