Darier Disease
I. Definition:
Darier disease is a stubborn rash which usually runs in families. The rash often starts when one is a teenager or older. It most commonly affects the chest, neck, back, ears, forehead, and groin, but may involve other body areas. At times the rash will cause a bad odor. This disease can also cause the fingernails to be fragile at the tips.
II. Causes:
III. Treatment:
Darier disease is a stubborn rash which usually runs in families. The rash often starts when one is a teenager or older. It most commonly affects the chest, neck, back, ears, forehead, and groin, but may involve other body areas. At times the rash will cause a bad odor. This disease can also cause the fingernails to be fragile at the tips.
II. Causes:
- The cause is thought to be due to a defective gene. The gene that causes Darier disease is often inherited from one's parents.
- Darier disease is not contagious; that is, it does not spread from person to person.
- The rash is often worse in the summer, due to the heat and humidity, and is aggravated by sunlight.
III. Treatment:
- Cleansing the skin with a mild antibacterial soap such as Lever 2000 sometimes helps control the odor.
- Vaseline Intensive Care Dry Skin Lotion with Vitamins A and E applied to the rash twice a day can often clear the lesions in 2-3 weeks.
- The doctor may give you a prescription for a gel or lotion to use on your skin.
- There is no medical cure for Darier disease. A strong drug called Accutane sometimes helps this condition. Your doctor will discuss the possible use of this medication with you.