Xanthoma disseminatum: an unusual cause of facial and limb deformity

A rare case of xanthoma disseminatum producing deformity of the head, neck, and extremities is reported. This pathologically benign disease, considered to represent one of the histiocyte proliferative disorders, is manifested by numerous cutaneous xanthomas primarily in flexion areas. Progressive enlargement of these lesions accompanied by marked fibrosis has produced the severe cosmetic and functional deformities described in this patient. Treatment in this case involved excision of xanthomatous contraction bands with split-thickness skin grafting, followed by intensive physical therapy.