Darier Disease

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 causing V-shaped notches at the end of the nails as pictured below.

Darier Disease Darier Disease V-Notching of the Nails

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.
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.
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.

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