Cutaneous Sarcoidosis

Clin Chest Med. 2015 Dec;36(4):685-702. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2015.08.010. Epub 2015 Sep 26.

Abstract

The skin is the second most common organ affected in sarcoidosis, which can affect patients of all ages and races, with African American women having the highest rates of sarcoidosis in the United States. The cutaneous manifestations are protean and can reflect involvement of sarcoidal granulomas within the lesion or represent reactive non-specific inflammation, as seen with erythema nodosum. Systemic work-up is necessary in any patient with cutaneous involvement of sarcoidal granulomas, and treatment depends on other organ involvement and severity of clinical disease. Skin-directed therapies are first line for mild disease, and immunomodulators or immunosuppressants may be necessary.

Keywords: Cutaneous sarcoidosis; Erythema nodosum; Granulomas; Lupus pernio; Löfgren syndrome; Noncaseating.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Granuloma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation
  • Sarcoidosis / etiology*
  • Skin Diseases / etiology*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents