Generalized anetoderma: An unusual manifestation of secondary syphilis treated with injection penicillin

Abstract

Anetoderma also called macular atrophy is a rare, benign disorder characterized microscopically by the pan-dermal loss of elastic fibers in the dermis and presenting clinically as circumscribed, skin-colored or gray-white atrophic macules and/or patches on the trunk and/or extremities. Lesions are described as having a "sac-like" appearance, since they bulge or herniate upon palpation. It is a rare benign condition of diverse etiology; whose characteristic is the diminution or absence of the dermal elastic fibers. Anetoderma is divided into primary (idiopathic) and secondary anetoderma, with the former occurring in areas of previously normal skin and the latter developing in areas of prior skin pathology. Both may occur in association with underlying systemic conditions and warrant evaluation for associated disorders. There are no effective treatment options for anetoderma at present. We report here an unusual case of generalized anetoderma occurring in association with secondary syphilis treated with injection benzathine penicillin.

Keywords: Anetoderma; elatolysis; macular atrophy; penicillin; syphilis.