acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans
Last edited 05/2020 and last reviewed 05/2020
This is a feature of Stage III Lyme disease.
It is characterised by involvement of mainly the extensor surface of the extremities. Initially there is a bluish-red discolouration of the skin with oedematous swelling. This progresses to skin atrophy with wrinkles.
- reported in 1-3% of Lyme borreliosis cases in Europe (1)
- characterized by high levels of borrelial IgG antibodies (2)
- very rarely develops in children
- may present several months to years after an untreated erythema migrans
- been postulated that does not resolve spontaneously, in contrast to most other manifestations of Lyme borreliosis (1)
- concurrent peripheral neuropathy is common, and local joint involvement may occur
Click here for example images of this condition
Reference:
- Kullber BJ et al. Lyme borreliosis: diagnosis and management.BMJ 2020;369:m1041
- Maraspin V et al. Acrodermatitis Chronica Atrophicans in Children: Report on Two Cases and Review of the Literature. Ticks Tick borne dis. 2019 Jan;10(1):180-185