Acne Necrotica in a Woman with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Systemic Sclerosis
March 2022
in “
Cureus
”
TLDR A woman with lupus and systemic sclerosis developed severe acne that didn't improve with treatment and died from pneumonia and septic shock.
This case report describes a 25-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and primary hypothyroidism who developed acne necrotica varioliformis, characterized by pruriginous cutaneous lesions that evolved into crusts and varioliform scars. Despite treatment with adapalene and doxycycline, her condition did not improve, and she eventually succumbed to pneumonia and septic shock. The report emphasizes the diagnostic challenges of acne necrotica, noting its association with varioliform scarring, pruritus, and scalp involvement, and calls for further research to explore potential links with systemic diseases.