Erosive pustular dermatosis of the leg: A prospective, multicentre, observational study of 36 cases

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the leg (EPDL) is a poorly understood entity first described by Lanigan and Cotteril in 1987. Its clinical diagnosis is based on exclusion since the physiopathology is unknown. The primary objective of this investigation was to specify the clinical aspects and outcomes in a prospective study. The secondary objectives were to describe associated diseases, the circumstances of occurrence, and the laboratory tests used.

This was a prospective study that included 45 patients selected by members of the Angiology-Dermatology Group of the SFD (French Dermatology Society) at 13 centres between 01/09/2013 and 31/10/2014. There was a 180-day monitoring period. The records of 36 patients were analysed. Clinical and laboratory data were collected.

Mean patient age was 79.6±9.9 years with a M/F sex ratio of 0.2. Among the patients, 16.7% had skin cancer and 91.7% had venous insufficiency. The proportion of patients wearing venous compression hose was constant between inclusion and D180. Lesions were bilateral (53%), affected the middle third of the leg, and were on the anterior aspect. Complete healing was achieved in 77.8% of cases with time to healing of 2.4±1.2 months, and under topical corticosteroids in 97.3% of cases. During follow-up, relapse occurred in 38.9% of cases after a mean time of 2.4±1.2 months.

EPDL appears to be an idiopathic inflammatory dermatosis with a particular topographic expression. The physiopathology could be related to chronic inflammation associated with venous insufficiency and with certain trigger factors. Currently, there are few therapeutic alternatives to topical corticosteroids.