Dowling–Degos disease in a 23-year-old Jordanian male: a case report
Abstract Background Dowling–Degos disease is a rare genodermatosis disorder that presents as an autosomal dominant trait during late childhood or in adolescence and is also known as reticulate pigmented anomaly of flexures, Dowling–Degos–Kitamura, or dark dot disease. Dowling–Degos disease is charac...
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical Case Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05398-6 |
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| author | Hamdah Hanifa Aya Mohannad Hamdan Ansam Zakaria Baniamer Jihan Mohammed Muhaidat Sultan Hussein Al-Sahoud Mohammad Raed AlGhzawi Mohammad Tareq Alfaqeh |
| author_facet | Hamdah Hanifa Aya Mohannad Hamdan Ansam Zakaria Baniamer Jihan Mohammed Muhaidat Sultan Hussein Al-Sahoud Mohammad Raed AlGhzawi Mohammad Tareq Alfaqeh |
| author_sort | Hamdah Hanifa |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Dowling–Degos disease is a rare genodermatosis disorder that presents as an autosomal dominant trait during late childhood or in adolescence and is also known as reticulate pigmented anomaly of flexures, Dowling–Degos–Kitamura, or dark dot disease. Dowling–Degos disease is characterized by acquired reticular hyperpigmentation, and manifests as a clustered or reticulated pattern mainly at flexural sites, especially in the folds of the skin with comedone-like follicular papules and pitted perioral scars. It appears in both genders but is more likely in females. Case presentation A 23-year-old Jordanian male presented with progressive hyperpigmented macules and papules on his forehead, initially managed with Triderma cream without improvement. Histopathological examination via punch biopsies revealed features consistent with Dowling–Degos disease, excluding malignancy. Treatment was transitioned to sunblock, depigmenting agents (Isis Unit One 4 White), and moisturizers, resulting in significant fading of lesions after 8 months. Genetic counseling was provided owing to the hereditary nature of Dowling–Degos disease, and long-term management strategies were emphasized. Conclusion Dowling–Degos disease is a rare genodermatosis that can cause significant psychological distress and a decline in quality of life. Despite challenging treatment, a multidisciplinary approach is essential for improving patient outcomes and managing the elevated risk of skin cancers. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4fe36c6d56aa4e1f97c47c1709ee0807 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1752-1947 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Medical Case Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-4fe36c6d56aa4e1f97c47c1709ee08072025-08-20T03:05:23ZengBMCJournal of Medical Case Reports1752-19472025-07-011911610.1186/s13256-025-05398-6Dowling–Degos disease in a 23-year-old Jordanian male: a case reportHamdah Hanifa0Aya Mohannad Hamdan1Ansam Zakaria Baniamer2Jihan Mohammed Muhaidat3Sultan Hussein Al-Sahoud4Mohammad Raed AlGhzawi5Mohammad Tareq Alfaqeh6Faculty of Medicine, University of KalamoonFaculty of Medicine, Independent ResearcherFaculty of Medicine, Yarmouk UniversityDepartment of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and TechnologyFaculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and TechnologyFaculty of Medicine, Yarmouk UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Yarmouk UniversityAbstract Background Dowling–Degos disease is a rare genodermatosis disorder that presents as an autosomal dominant trait during late childhood or in adolescence and is also known as reticulate pigmented anomaly of flexures, Dowling–Degos–Kitamura, or dark dot disease. Dowling–Degos disease is characterized by acquired reticular hyperpigmentation, and manifests as a clustered or reticulated pattern mainly at flexural sites, especially in the folds of the skin with comedone-like follicular papules and pitted perioral scars. It appears in both genders but is more likely in females. Case presentation A 23-year-old Jordanian male presented with progressive hyperpigmented macules and papules on his forehead, initially managed with Triderma cream without improvement. Histopathological examination via punch biopsies revealed features consistent with Dowling–Degos disease, excluding malignancy. Treatment was transitioned to sunblock, depigmenting agents (Isis Unit One 4 White), and moisturizers, resulting in significant fading of lesions after 8 months. Genetic counseling was provided owing to the hereditary nature of Dowling–Degos disease, and long-term management strategies were emphasized. Conclusion Dowling–Degos disease is a rare genodermatosis that can cause significant psychological distress and a decline in quality of life. Despite challenging treatment, a multidisciplinary approach is essential for improving patient outcomes and managing the elevated risk of skin cancers.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05398-6Dowling–Degos diseaseGenodermatosisSkin biopsySkin rashCase report |
| spellingShingle | Hamdah Hanifa Aya Mohannad Hamdan Ansam Zakaria Baniamer Jihan Mohammed Muhaidat Sultan Hussein Al-Sahoud Mohammad Raed AlGhzawi Mohammad Tareq Alfaqeh Dowling–Degos disease in a 23-year-old Jordanian male: a case report Journal of Medical Case Reports Dowling–Degos disease Genodermatosis Skin biopsy Skin rash Case report |
| title | Dowling–Degos disease in a 23-year-old Jordanian male: a case report |
| title_full | Dowling–Degos disease in a 23-year-old Jordanian male: a case report |
| title_fullStr | Dowling–Degos disease in a 23-year-old Jordanian male: a case report |
| title_full_unstemmed | Dowling–Degos disease in a 23-year-old Jordanian male: a case report |
| title_short | Dowling–Degos disease in a 23-year-old Jordanian male: a case report |
| title_sort | dowling degos disease in a 23 year old jordanian male a case report |
| topic | Dowling–Degos disease Genodermatosis Skin biopsy Skin rash Case report |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05398-6 |
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