The epidemiology of cutaneous amyloidosis in Jakarta (Indonesia)

An analysis of cutaneous amyloidosis cases during a five year period, from January 1, 1983 to December 31, 1987, showed that of 78 cases suffering from lichen amyloidosis, 9 patients (11.5%) were male and 71 patients (80.5%) female. Macular skin amyloidosis was observed. Sixty patients (76.9%) were found in the age range of 20-50 years. Forty-nine patients (62.8%) suffered from the disease for 2 years or less. Skin changes were mainly located on the shin areas, the posterior part of the lower thighs and posterior part of the forearms. Treatment with strong topical corticosteroids and keratolytic agents (salicylic acid ointment in higher than 3%) proved to be unsatisfactory. The literature mentions higher incidence of lichen amyloidosis in Chinese, Malaysians and Indonesians than in Caucasians.