title: Terra firma-forme dermatosis.
abstract: Terra firma-forme dermatosis is characterized by 'dirty' brown-grey cutaneous patches and plaques that can simply be eradicated by forceful swabbing with alcohol pads. The pathogenesis has been attributed to abnormal and delayed keratinization. Although affected patients present with typical lesions, the disorder is not well-known by dermatologists. In this report, we describe two patients with terra firma-forme dermatosis in the setting of xerosis cutis and atopic dermatitis. From a clinical point of view, we lay emphasis on its unique expression and diagnosis/treatment. From a histological perspective, we highlight its resemblance to dermatosis neglecta and speculate on the role of 'neglect' in a patient with seemingly adequate hygiene. The role of urea containing emollients in the development of this disorder remains to be determined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Acibadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. emelerkek@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Emel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Erkek
authors.forename: Sedef
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sahin
authors.forename: Emel Dikicioglu
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Çetin
authors.forename: Engin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sezer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D007642:Keratosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult