Actinic reticuloid : A study of 12 cases

Abstract

Clinical study of 12 Libyan male patients of actinic reticuloid (AR) treated since 1982 is presented. 9 patients had wheatish complexion and 3 were black. Median age at onset of symptoms was 47 years. All the patients had pruritic infiltrated plaques and papules on the exposed sites with involvement of covered parts in 4 patients. 2 patients had significant dermopathic lymphadenopathy. All the patients showed partial improvement with the use of local sun-screens in day and steroid ointment at night. 5 patients showed significant improvement with systemic steroid therapy and 1 with chioroquine. Azathioprine therapy tried in 1 patient was ineffective. Later the same patient was given oral cyclosporine 4-5 mg/kg/day which resulted in almost complete clearence of the lesions at first but later failed to respond. Complete clearence of lesions could not be atained in any of the patients.