What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Blaschite De Adulte
• Blaschkitis
• Idiopathic Dermatitis along the Blaschko Lines

What is Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis is an unusual and rare skin disorder that manifests only in adults. It leads to the formation of dry and itchy skin papules along the Blaschko lines
• The Blaschko lines are defined as regions of the body where skin growth occurs in a systematic manner during fetal development. They are present, yet not visible, all over the body
• Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis can resemble eczema or contact dermatitis in some individuals. The condition manifests as red rashes that appear at various body locations (the trunk and extremities). Even though it may be self-limiting in some cases, Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis has a tendency to recur
• There is no specific treatment for Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis, although systemic steroid therapy is known to be effective in some cases. The condition may not be preventable, but the prognosis of Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis is typically excellent

Who gets Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis is a very uncommon skin condition
• It is almost only observed in adults; a wide age range of adult individuals may be observed with the condition
• Both male and female genders are affected
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis? (Predisposing Factors)

• The risk factors for Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis are unknown
• It has been observed that stress can make the condition worse or bring about a relapse in some individuals

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis? (Etiology)

• Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition. The cause of the condition is generally unknown
• As the name indicates, the condition is acquired and is not congenital in origin (i.e., not present at birth)
• Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis is non-contagious and non-infectious. The disorder does not spread from one individual to another through physical contact or sharing of items

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis?

The signs and symptoms of Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis may include the following:

• Patchy red rashes and bumps/papules on the skin
• The skin papules are itchy, dry, and inflammatory in nature; no pain is generally reported
• The patches are seen along the Blaschko lines; the lines of Blaschko are invisible lines or patterns on the body along which normal skin cell development tends to occur
• The skin patches may appear as irregular streaks or as twisted whorls
• Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis is typically unilateral - affecting only one side or one half of the body
• The body area affected may include the arms and legs, the chest and back, and the abdomen
• The skin condition may ‘come and go’ and each episode can last up to 2 weeks
• In some cases, the condition can be asymptomatic

There are other skin conditions that also show up in patterns that reflect the lines of Blaschko. Pityriasis rosea is an example of one of the more common ones.

How is Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis Diagnosed?

A few diagnostic tests that are performed for Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis may include:

• A thorough physical examination and a complete medical history are very crucial; a dermatologist will carefully examine the lesions to help in the diagnosis
• Dermoscopy: Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Blood tests, to rule out other causes such as infections
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH) test: The KOH prep involves microscopic observation of skin scrapings for structures belonging to fungi
• Allergy skin test
• Skin biopsy: A biopsy of the lesion may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Note: A tissue biopsy is generally not necessary, but may be performed to rule out other conditions or infections.

A differential diagnosis may be necessary to exclude the following conditions:

• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Fungal skin infections

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis?

The complications of Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis could include:

• Scarring due to intense itching
• Individuals may have emotional and psychological stress
• Recurrence of the condition

How is Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis Treated?

In some cases, Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis is reported to heal on its own. Asymptomatic or mild cases may not require any treatment, but recurrences are often treated. The following measures may be used to treat the condition:

• Use of moisturizing lotions to prevent the skin from drying
• In some individuals, systemic steroid treatment shows better results
• Use of topical steroidal creams and lotions are not known to be effective
• Avoiding stress, which can aggravate the condition
• Maintaining cleanliness and proper body hygiene

How can Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis be Prevented?

• Currently, it may not be possible to prevent Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis
• However, maintaining hygiene, keeping the skin moisturized, and avoiding the tendency to scratch can help control the symptoms and prevent from worsening of the skin texture

What is the Prognosis of Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis is generally excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is generally benign
• However, the condition may return from time to time, which may need to be suitably treated

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis:

Lichen striatus is an uncommon skin condition manifesting as a pattern of red rashes that is only seen in children. Acquired Blaschkoid Dermatitis is suggested to be the adult form of lichen striatus.