Poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
Bradley Bloom1, Shari Marchbein, Max Fischer
1The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, USA.
Abstract:
Poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides (MF) is a variant of MF, formerly referred to as poikiloderma vasculare atrophicans. The lesions are classically characterized by large plaques of hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation with atrophy and telangiectases. The plaques may be asymptomatic or mildly pruritic and typically involve the major flexural areas and trunk. Poikilodermatous MF has an early stage (IA-IIA) at diagnosis and a male predominance. Poikilodermatous MF shows an atypical T-cell infiltrate in the papillary dermis with evidence of epidermotropism, epidermal atrophy, dilated blood vessels in the dermis, melanophages, and melanin incontinence. Recent studies suggest a predominance of a CD8+, CD4- immunophenotype. Treatment modalities are similar to classic MF with phototherapy being the most common first-line therapy. Poikilodermatous MF has an excellent prognosis.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Reticular Dermis
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...
The Skin Microbiota
Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota
