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Preatrophy: covert sign of thinned skin.

Author(s): Katz HI, Prawer SE, Mooney JJ, Samson CR

Affiliation(s): Department of Dermatology, Minnesota Clinical Study Center, Fridley 55432.

Publication date & source: 1989-05, J Am Acad Dermatol., 20(5 Pt 1):731-5.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

Overt iatrogenic cutaneous atrophy is easily recognized; however, the earliest signs of such an adverse event may be covert. Preatrophy is proposed as a term to describe the subtle unmasking or normally covert subpapillary vascular channels found by the use of enhanced skin surface magnification techniques. We conducted a randomized double-blind, bilaterally paired comparison clinical trial in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis treated with twice-daily (nonoccluded) superpotent topical steroids for 2 weeks. Occult reversible delicate networks of horizontally oriented vascular channels were found within and surrounding 20% (23/118) of the involved psoriatic plaques during the course of the study. The use of a hand-held magnifying lens (8X), mineral oil, a coverglass, and adequate illumination allow recognition of preatrophy. Preatrophy was more frequently found in women than in men.

Page last updated: 2006-01-31

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