Do you know about cutaneous sarcoidosis?

Cutaneous sarcoidosis is often ignored because it is painless, but if it is not treated in time it can cause a series of symptoms. Therefore, people should have a certain understanding of cutaneous sarcoidosis and know that its main symptoms are nodular erythema and chilblain-like rash. If it can be discovered and treated in time, health can be restored as soon as possible.

1. Is sarcoidosis a tumor?

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease that can accumulate throughout the body's systems and is characterized by non-caseous necrotic granulomas. It is not a neoplastic disease. The chest (lungs and mediastinum, hilar lymph nodes) is the most common site of sarcoidosis, followed by the skin and eyes.

2. Among which groups of people is sarcoidosis more common?

Sarcoidosis is most common in women aged 30 to 55 years.

3What causes sarcoidosis?

Currently, the cause and pathogenesis of sarcoidosis are unclear, which may be related to infection by certain pathogens, environmental factors, etc.

54Is sarcoidosis contagious?

Sarcoidosis is not a contagious disease. However, there are reports in the literature of sarcoidosis occurring simultaneously in the same family or unit, but the specific cause is unknown.

5.Is sarcoidosis a genetic disease?

Sarcoidosis is not a genetic disease, but people with certain susceptible gene backgrounds may be prone to sarcoidosis under the influence of external environmental factors.

6. If there is a patient with sarcoidosis in the family, do other immediate family members need to be screened for sarcoidosis?

Routine screening of immediate family members who do not have similar symptoms is not necessary.

7Do all patients with sarcoidosis need treatment?

Studies have found that about 2/3 of sarcoidosis patients can recover on their own, about 1/3 of patients need treatment, and about 5% of patients may still suffer irreversible damage to important organs or even death despite active treatment.

8.What are the commonly used treatment drugs for sarcoidosis?

Glucocorticoids are the treatment of choice. Cytotoxic drugs can be considered for patients who do not respond well to glucocorticoids, have contraindications to glucocorticoids, or have relapses. Methotrexate is currently a commonly used cytotoxic drug. In addition, hydroxychloroquine can also be considered for patients with sarcoidosis with skin manifestations as the main symptom.

In recent years, anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α antagonist) or leflunomide has also been used abroad to treat some refractory sarcoidosis.

9.What are the common skin manifestations of sarcoidosis?

25% of sarcoidosis patients have skin involvement, mainly manifested as nodular erythema and chilblain-like rash, and can also manifest as maculopapular rash, pigmentation, skin ulcers, psoriasis-like lesions, scarring alopecia, skin atrophy, etc.

Erythema nodosum typically presents as painless, erythematous, raised skin lesions, most commonly on the extensor side of the lower extremities. Lupus-like lesions are common in chronic progressive sarcoidosis and are often located on the cheeks, nose, lips, and ears.