TITLE:
Diagnostic Sign of Terra Firma-Forme Dermatosis
AUTHORS:
Faiza M. Saleh Al Ali, Waqas S. Abdulwahhab, Fatima A. Qaderi
KEYWORDS:
Terra Firma-Forme Dermatosis, Duncan’s Dirty Disease, Isopropyl Alcohol, Dirty Neck, Acanthosis Nigricans
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications,
Vol.10 No.3,
September
2,
2020
ABSTRACT: Background: Terra Firma-Forme Dermatosis (TFFD), a benign skin condition which
presents with asymptomatic brown to black plaques which resemble dirty skin. Aim: To document a new case presentation with TFFD in the Arab region which is
considered as one of the differential diagnoses of dirty neck. Case presentation: A 15-year-old
girl presented with a history of asymptomatic brownish dirt-like lesion on the
nape and sides of the neck for 4-years duration, not resolved by wash with
water and soap and confused with other dermatoses like acanthosis nigricans or atopic dermatitis.
The diagnosis of TFFD was confirmed when the lesions were completely resolved after
gentle swabbing with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Conclusion: TFFD is rarely
reported in Arab region and should be considered when evaluating cases of dirty
neck-like presentation of atopic dermatitis or acanthosis nigricans.