Scleromyxedema, a positive effect with thalidomide

Scleromyxedema is a rare dermatological disorder marked by widespread symmetric 2- to 3-mm, firm, waxy, closely spaced papules involving the hands, forearms, face, neck, upper trunk and thighs. The most common extracutaneous manifestation of scleromyxedema is a benign plasma cell dyscrasia. Treatment of scleromyxedema is limited by the lack of long-term results, toxicity and significant adverse side effects. We report a severe case of scleromyxedema who had marked improvement when treated with thalidomide. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG.