Disseminated superficial porokeratosis and disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis: A case series of 39 patients

Porokeratosis is characterized by keratotic papules or plaques with a ridge-like border. Both disseminated superficial porokeratosis (DSP) and disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) manifest as numerous, small, round maculopapules with thin thread-like elevated border but differ in their distribution of lesions and the association with sunlight exposure. To analyze and compare the clinical features of DSP and DSAP, we conducted this hospital-based retrospective study. A total of 39 patients were recruited, including 19 DSP patients and 20 DSAP patients. The median age of diagnosis of DSP and DSAP patients was 63 years and 59 years, respectively. A male predominance was noted in DSP, while a female predominance was noted in DSAP. Itchiness was the most common symptom in both subtypes. Commonly used treatments included corticosteroids and retinoids, both topical and oral. Among the treatments, oral retinoid, diclofenac gel, and cryotherapy showed higher rates of improvement, but none of them yielded complete remission of the skin lesions. In conclusion, DSP and DSAP showed differences in the gender predilection, and both DSP and DSAP had prolonged clinical course and generally refractory to topical or systemic treatments.