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

• Adult Variant of Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis
• Juvenile Variant of Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis
• Self-Healing Juvenile Cutaneous Mucinosis

What is Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis (SHPM) is the localized form of lichen myxedematosus, which is a rare skin abnormality characterised by mucin deposition in the skin
• Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis is an uncommon and chronic skin condition that presents tiny papules on certain parts of the body, particularly on the head and neck region, chest and back, and extremities
• Apart from the cutaneous manifestation, certain systemic symptoms, such as fever, joint pain, and fatigue, may be noted, especially in children. As the name indicates, SHPM is a self-healing condition; a spontaneous resolution of the condition is usually noted, within a few weeks to months
• There are two types of Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis - the juvenile variant and adult variant, based on the age category of symptom presentation. The exact cause of development of Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis is currently unknown
• Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis is usually diagnosed by a skin biopsy. Following its diagnosis, if necessary, a treatment of the condition is undertaken through light therapy, use of topical creams, dermabrasion, and intralesional injections
• The prognosis of both the juvenile and adult variants of Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis are usually good, since the condition is typically known to get better and spontaneously resolves on its own

Who gets Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis is a rare skin condition that is diagnosed in young and old children and in adults. Most cases are reported in children
• Both males and females are affected
• All racial and ethnic groups are affected and no predilection is reported

What are the Risk Factors for Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis? (Predisposing Factors)

• Specific risk factors for Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis 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 Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis (SHPM) formation is generally unknown. It may be due to an abnormal immune function
• It is a non-contagious condition that cannot spread from one individual to another. This means that one cannot get SHPM through direct contact or from being in close proximity to an individual having the condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis?

The signs and symptoms of Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis may include:

• Presence of numerous, small round papules on skin (seen as a papular eruptions)
• The skin lesions are firm and flesh to red in color
• 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
• The papules can be present anywhere on the body, including on the face, head and neck, chest and back, and limbs

In adults, systemic symptoms are not observed; while in children and teenagers (Juvenile Variant of SHPM), systemic presentations including joint aches, inflammation of the muscles (myositis), fever, fatigue, and elevated lymphocytes in blood (lymphocytosis), have been reported in some cases.

How is Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis Diagnosed?

Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis 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 scleromyxedema (that presents systemic symptoms) and 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 Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis?

The complications of Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis 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 due to cosmetic concerns

How is Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis Treated?

Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis is difficult to treat, but is known to resolve spontaneously on its own. In some individuals, the following treatment options may be considered:

• Use of topical steroids and oral retinoid
• Psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy
• Dermabrasion
• 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 Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing the occurrence of Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis.

What is the Prognosis of Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis is generally good, since it is known to be self-healing within a few weeks to months of onset of symptoms.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Self-Healing Papular Mucinosis:

• 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