Schamberg's Disease - Symptoms & Treatment

Schamberg's disease, or progressive pigmented purpuric dermatitis, is a chronic discoloration of the skin which usually affects the legs and often spreads slowly. This disease is more common in males and may occur at any age from childhood onward. It is a type of purpura and episodes of purpura generally last for up to several weeks and sometimes longer. In some cases it causes mild itching and discomfort. The diagnosis of this disease can be confirmed on the basis of results of the skin biopsy. Before conducting a diagnosis of Schamberg's disease, the doctor would like to rule out other serious causes of purpura such as inflammation of the blood vessels. It is a skin disease which is basically found in youth and it starts off by affecting the legs and spreads further. It can occur anywhere on the body including the hands. It appears on both sides of the affected area and the distribution is irregular. It is a common skin ailment which causes more of cosmetic problems as compared to health problems. The discoloration which appears can be unpleasant to watch.

Schamberg's Disease is also commonly referred to as progressive pigmented purpuric dermatitis. Schamberg's disease is one type of purpura, a purplish discoloration of the skin caused by blood leaking from small vessels near the skin surface. It appears as flat, smooth reddish-brown patches, this is due to the iron released from the leaking blood vessels. At times it looks like if someone put cayenne pepper on the area. In some individuals these areas can be itchy and uncomfortable. It can last up to several weeks, and it can flare up again over time.

Causes of Schamberg's Disease

Schamberg's disease cause is not known yet it is common in those people who have leaky blood vessel walls, it might be associated with a recent viral infection or allergic reaction. This disorder occurs most often in males. Schamberg's disease is a capillarits of unknown etiology characterized by orange to fawn-colored macules and plaques usually localized to the lower limbs . A progressive pigmentary dermatosis with purpuric eruption, usually in males, affecting chiefly the lower extremities, occasionally other parts of the body . Characteristic 'cayenne pepper' spots due to hemosiderin deposition in the skin are seen at the periphery of the lesions. Histopathology consists of a superficial lymphocytic perivascular inflammation with increased capillaries and siderophages in the upper dermis. The disease follows a chronic course with spontaneous clearance in a few cases.

Find common causes and risk factors of Schamberg's Disease :

• A viral infection or allergic reaction.
• Some forms of the schamberg disease are associated with the ingestion of certain drugs e.g. aspirin and thiamine.

Signs and Symptoms of Schamberg's Disease

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• The lesions vary in number.
• Irregular patches of orange or brown pigmentation.
• Mild itching and discomfort in some cases.

Treatment for Schamberg's Disease

Schamberg's disease cannot be cured permanently but the itching may be restricted by the use of cortisone cream. In some rare cases the doctor might prescribe other type of medications in order to help with the blood circulation. Vitamin C has been found out to be effective in some cases. In case fewer patches appear, then doctor might recommend wearing support hosiery as it might also be caused due to abnormal vein function. Some laser treatments are being considered but none of them can be considered as a definite part of the treatment of the disease.

Treatment may include:

• There is no permanent cure for Schamberg's disease; however, for controlling itching cortisone cream can be used.
• Some laser treatments are being considered but none of them can be considered as a definite part of the treatment of the disease.
• In some cases, taking vitamins such as Vitamin C has also been found to help some individuals.