Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2002; 23(6): 571-578
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36525
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Cutaneous Sarcoidosis

William L. Epstein
  • Department of Dermatology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
07 January 2003 (online)

ABSTRACT

Sarcoidosis, a multisystem disease of unknown etiology, remains enigmatic in modern medicine. Skin involvement happens in < 20% of patients with this disease. Yet, when it occurs, it can be virtually diagnostic or it can be so baffling and obtuse as to test the diagnostic skills of virtually any clinical dermatologist. Clinically, sarcoidosis can mimic many conditions, in a manner similar to syphilis. Therefore, the astute clinician must always consider cutaneous sarcoidosis in diagnosing both obscure and ``obvious'' diseases, such as folliculitis.

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