title: Facial involvement in genodermatoses.
abstract: Facial involvement represents a characteristic feature of a wide range of genodermatoses. Specific facial findings often help point to the correct diagnosis, which improves counseling and management. In particular, this can facilitate the identification and treatment of associated extracutaneous disease. The highly visible nature of facial lesions in genodermatoses and facial birthmarks can result in stigmatization and frequently leads to particular concern in patients and their family members. It is therefore critical for dermatologists to be aware of the broad spectrum of facial manifestations in genetic skin disease, especially when these findings have important implications with regard to monitoring and treatment. In this contribution, facial involvement in genodermatoses is divided into five morphologic categories based on the most prominent feature: Papules, scaling, photosensitivity/findings associated with aging (eg, telangiectasias, atrophy, lentigines), blisters/erosions, and birthmarks. Hopefully, this will provide a practical and clinically useful approach to a large and diverse assortment of genetic skin conditions.
authors.affiliation: Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, 240 East 38th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA. Electronic address: julie.schaffer@nyumc.org.
authors.forename: Julie V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Schaffer
mesh_terms: D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012873:Skin Diseases, Genetic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome