Skin amyloidosis often becomes part of a systemic disease when amyloid accumulates in tissues, while & nbsp; many organs are severely affected, and it is possible to diagnose the disease in the early stages by its skin manifestations. The complex protein-polysaccharide compound amyloid begins to be deposited in one organ or in different tissues due to a violation of protein metabolism caused by some infectious or tumor processes, hereditary predisposition or purulent-inflammatory diseases. Usually the disease develops in patients after 50 years.
Classification of skin amyloidosis and causes of manifestation
Skin amyloidosis is classified into primary, local and secondary. The reasons for the activation of these forms are not fully understood. Usually, secondary amyloidosis is associated with chronic infectious diseases (syphilis, tuberculosis) or develops in patients suffering from purulent skin lesions. Outwardly, this form of protein metabolism disorder looks like dense dark pink discs on the skin, causing severe itching in the patient, and is most easily diagnosed due to the presence of a primary disease.
Primary skin amyloidosis is the most difficult to diagnose, this form is less common than others and usually develops in older people. Outwardly, it can be manifested by a significant increase in the size of the tongue, pallor of the skin and the presence of small nodules in the natural folds of the skin. The nodules tend to merge into large groups and look like dark, rough patches. Patients experience weakness, complain of muscle and joint pain.
The most common is the local (localized, lichenoid) form of skin amyloidosis. Outwardly, it appears as groups of multiple nodules, flat or conical, dark brown in color and closely clustered, which never merge. The skin over them is very flaky and itchy. The rash is most often localized on the thighs and legs.
The following factors contribute to the development of skin amyloidosis:
- weakening of cellular immunity;
- hyperglobulinemia;
- bacterial infections;
- hereditary predisposition.
Skin amyloidosis can manifest itself against the background of diseases such as atherosclerosis, psoriasis, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative bowel diseases.
Treatment of skin amyloidosis and diagnostic difficulties
Doctors of various specialties may encounter clinical manifestations of protein metabolism disorders – cardiologists, rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, therapists, dermatologists. Skin amyloidosis is not easy to diagnose; this requires a comprehensive examination of the patient using laboratory and instrumental methods. The final diagnosis is made in case of detection of amyloid in the affected tissues and organs.
Successful treatment of the underlying disease is of great importance in the treatment of skin amyloidosis. Vitamin preparations are prescribed in large doses, anti-itch remedies. The treatment is carried out by means of the 4-aminoquinoline series, colchicine, unithiol are recommended, if necessary, cytostatics are prescribed in the primary form of amyloidosis.
Skin amyloidosis proceeds for a long time, is prone to relapses, therefore, even after a favorable end of treatment, the pain should be under the constant supervision of a dermatologist.\
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