Chronic superficial dermatitis and poikiloderma

The terms chronic superficial dermatitis and poikiloderma have in the past both been called parapsoriasis en plaques although they are entirely different disorders. Chronic superficial dermatitis is benign and does not advance to a reticulosis. Poikiloderma of the prereticulate type, on the other hand, may progress and may be the cause of death in some cases. It should no longer be considered a separate entity but should be regarded as part of the spectrum of mycosis fungoides.