Terra-company type dermatosis L85.0

Duncan, Chen, Knox, 1987

Term for sternal or retroauricular localized, non-symptomatic, blurred, dirty-brown, adherent, hyperkeratotic, flat (also large-area) harmless (plaques) deposits of the skin, which cannot be removed with the usual washing procedures.

Probably this clinical picture is based on a mild cornification disorder that was previously little noticed.

Sternal region, retroauricular,

Acanthosis with papillomatosis and lamellar hyperkeratosis. Occasional detection of PAS-positive yeast spores.

Probatory rubbing test with an alcohol-soaked swab. By rubbing vigorously several times, the deposits can be removed completely without difficulty.

Acanthosis nigricans, Papillomatosis confluens et reticularis, Dermatosis neglecta (identical clinical picture), Pityriasis versicolor

Wipe off with alcohol, e.g. 70 % isopropyl alcohol.

1. Duncan WC, Chen YES, Knox JM (1987) Terra firma-forme dermatosis. Arch Dermatol 123:567-569
2. Pallure V et al (2014) Terra firma-forme dermatosis. Ann Dermatol Venereol 140:693-698
3. Lora V et al (2013) Terra firma-forme dermatosis. J Cutan path 41):141-143
4. Berk DR (2012) Acanthosis nigricans of the ears or terra firma-forme dermatosis? Ann Dermatol 24: 218-219
5. Berk DR (2012). Scalp discoloration from selenium sulphide: revisiting a report of terra firma-forme dermatosis of the scalp. Br J Dermatol 166:1374.
6. Dalton SR et al (2011) The histopathology of terra firma-forme dermatosis. J Cutan Pathol 38:537-539