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Necrolytic Acral Erythema: Current Insights
Authors Inamadar AC, Shivanna R, Ankad BS
Received 10 October 2019
Accepted for publication 12 March 2020
Published 5 April 2020 Volume 2020:13 Pages 275—281
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S189175
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewer comments 2
Editor who approved publication: Dr Jeffrey Weinberg
Arun C Inamadar,1 Ragunatha Shivanna,2 Balachandra S Ankad3
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Sri BM Patil Medical College, BLDE University, Vijayapura 586103, Karnataka, India; 2Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, ESIC Medical College and PGIMSR, Bengaluru 560010, Karnataka, India; 3Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, SN Medical College, Bagalkote 587102, Karnataka, India
Correspondence: Arun C Inamadar
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Sri B.M. Patil Medical College, BLDE University, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India
Tel +91 94 4810 2920
Email aruninamadar@gmail.com
Abstract: Necrolytic acral erythema (NAE) is now considered as a distinct clinical entity. It clinically presents as well demarcated hyperpigmented papules and plaques with thick adherent scales distributed symmetrically over dorsum of feet. It usually develops in patients with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Cases of NAE have been reported in patients without HCV infection. Hepatic dysfunction resulting in metabolic alterations like hypoalbuminemia, hypoaminoacidemia, hyperglucagonemia and transient zinc deficiency has been proposed as underlying pathogenic mechanism of NAE. Clinically, NAE resembles other necrolytic erythemas like necrolytic migratory erythema (NME), acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) and pellagra. Better understanding of etiopathogenesis and histopathological features is important to distinguish NAE from other necrolytic erythemas. The disease runs a natural course of exacerbations and remissions. Non-invasive diagnostic tools like dermoscopy can be used in differential diagnosis of NAE. Oral zinc therapy is the most effective treatment of NAE reported in most of the cases irrespective of HCV status or serum zinc levels.
Keywords: NAE, necrolytic acral erythema, zinc, glucagonoma, hepatitis
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