Acquired poikiloderma: proposed classification and diagnostic approach

Abstract

"Poikiloderma" is a morphologic and descriptive term referring to a combination of cutaneous atrophy, telangiectasia, and varied macular pigmentary changes that result in a mottled skin appearance. Its etiology includes both congenital and acquired causes. Many studies have reported different causes of acquired poikiloderma; however, no single well-defined classification has been explored to date. Herein, we analyze all the possible causes of acquired poikiloderma and propose an etiological classification that, hopefully, will lead to better characterization for this ill-defined condition. Moreover, this study presents a step-by-step approach to the management of patients with acquired poikiloderma and summarizes the key differentiating features for each individual cause, which may help in easy and precise diagnosis of different causes of acquired poikiloderma.

Keywords: mottled pigmentation; parapsoriasis; poikiloderma; poikiloderma of Civatte; poikiloderma vasculare atrophicans; poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides.