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

• CMI (Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy)
• Papular Mucinosis of Infancy

What is Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy? (Definition/Background Information)

• Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy (CMI) is the localized form of lichen myxedematosus, which is a rare skin abnormality characterised by mucin deposition in skin
• Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy is an extremely uncommon skin condition that presents tiny, firm, skin-colored papules or plaques on some parts of the body, particularly on the upper limbs and trunk
• The condition is observed in infants and small children. The exact cause of development of Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy is currently unknown. It may be due to a localized abnormal immune system of the body
• The condition may be diagnosed by a skin biopsy. Following its diagnosis, if necessary, a treatment of the condition is undertaken. However, in many cases, Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy is a self-resolving skin condition
• The treatment measures may include light therapy, use of topical creams and intralesional injections. The prognosis of Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy is usually good in a majority of children, although the skin lesions may persist for a long period (several years)

Who gets Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy is a highly-infrequent skin condition; only around 10 cases have been reported in the medical literature
• It is diagnosed in infants and very young children (up to age 5 years); some have been reported in newborn children too
• Both males and females are affected
• All racial and ethnic groups are affected and no predilection is reported

What are the Risk Factors for Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy? (Predisposing Factors)

• The specific risk factors for Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy are presently unknown
• Some localized forms of lichen myxedematosus are associated with exposure to toxic substances, such as certain oils, and contaminated L-tryptophan (an amino acid)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s 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 Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy (CMI) formation is generally unknown. It may be due to an abnormal immune function that typically involves the skin (not a systemic condition)
• It is a non-contagious condition that cannot spread from one individual to another. This means that one cannot get CMI through direct contact or from being in close proximity to an individual having the condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy?

The signs and symptoms of Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy may include:

• Presence of numerous, small papules and even plaques on skin
  • A papule is an area of abnormal skin tissue that is less than 1 centimeter around. Usually a papule has distinct borders, and it can appear in a variety of shapes
  • A plaque indicates a broad, raised area on the skin. A skin plaque is usually broader than it is high
• The skin lesions are firm and flesh-colored; the lesions are confined to the superficial skin layers and do not involve the deeper tissues
• The papules can be present anywhere on the body, but are mostly noted on the arms and hands, chest and back, and also on the lower legs
• Systemic signs and symptoms are not noted

How is Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy Diagnosed?

Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy may be diagnosed through the following tools:

• Complete physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The 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
• A differential diagnosis may be undertaken to exclude other localized forms of papular mucinosis

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 Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy?

The complications of Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy may include:

• Scratching or itching of the lesions may lead to bleeding and ulceration. This can cause secondary bacterial or fungal infections to develop
• Emotional stress in parents and caretakers
• The skin condition can persist for a long duration (even several years)

How is Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy Treated?

Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy is difficult to treat, but can resolve spontaneously on its own, like all localized cutaneous forms of papular mucinosis. In case the condition does not get better, then the following treatment options may be considered:

• Use of topical steroids and oral retinoid
• Psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy
• Ultraviolet B light, delivered by bulbs or laser
• CO2 laser therapy
• Intralesional steroid injections and intralesional hyaluronidase injections
• Newer treatment methods, such as topical tacrolimus creams, have been shown to be successful, in some cases
• Symptomatic and supportive therapy, if needed

How can Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing the occurrence of Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy.

What is the Prognosis of Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy is generally good with adequate treatment. However, the condition is known to persist for several years before getting better (self-resolution).

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy:

• Do not pick or scratch the skin lesions
• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition