Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (4)

Dermatosis neglecta in Adult
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Dermatosis neglecta in Adult

Contributors: Alexis E. Carrington MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Dermatosis neglecta (DN) is a condition characterized by adherent scales that form due to inadequate cleaning or exfoliation of the skin. Whether due to deliberately poor or unwittingly neglectful personal hygiene, the lack of washing over the course of months allows for the accumulation of sebum, sweat, keratin, debris, bacteria, and yeast on unwashed areas of the skin. Pruritus may develop over the site, but there are no systemic symptoms. Washing with soap, water, and a washcloth for friction or with isopropyl alcohol-soaked gauze will often result in complete removal of the lesions.

DN may present in individuals with an underlying physical disability, hyperesthesia, previous trauma, or with a psychiatric etiology, resulting in areas of skin that remain persistently unwashed. Although not a life-threatening or contagious condition, it can be cosmetically bothersome.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L85.9 – Epidermal thickening, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
402343006 – Retention hyperkeratosis

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:03/01/2021
Last Updated:03/01/2021
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Dermatosis neglecta in Adult
A medical illustration showing key findings of Dermatosis neglecta : Poor hygiene, Verrucous scaly papule, Verrucous scaly plaque, Hyperpigmented plaques, Hyperpigmented patches
Clinical image of Dermatosis neglecta - imageId=6632756. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Numerous dark brown, thick scales of retention hyperkeratosis and some surrounding unrelated postinflamamtory hyperpigmentation on the forehead.'
Numerous dark brown, thick scales of retention hyperkeratosis and some surrounding unrelated postinflamamtory hyperpigmentation on the forehead.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.