Acrodermatitis continua Hallopeau

Abstract

Introduction. Acrodermatitis continua Hallopeau (ACH) is a rare form of psoriasis. Sterile pustules are usually located in the area of the fingertips and nails at the site of injury or infection. Nail lesions are always present. Case report. A 65-year-old man was admitted to the Department of Dermatology for diagnostics and treatment of lesions of the skin and fingernails that developed as a consequence of an injury. Initially, he was treated on an outpatient basis with topical glucocorticoids, without improvement. On admission, numerous pustules, maceration of the epidermis, severe hyperkeratosis of the skin in distal parts of fingers and soles, and swollen, red nail folds with dystrophy of many finger and toe nail plates were observed. Acitretin was introduced. An improvement in the condition of the skin was observed during the hospitalisation. An outpatient follow-up was recommended, during which further improvement was noted. Conclusions. Acrodermatitis continua Hallopeau is a chronic and progressive dermatosis that can lead to irreversible complications. The nail apparatus becomes affected early. Untreated acrodermatitis continua Hallopeau may lead to onychodystrophy or anonychia, and even to osteolysis of distal phalanges. So far, no specific guidelines for the treatment of acrodermatitis continua Hallopeau have been developed.