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Lymphomatoid papulosis is a stubborn persistent rash. Lymphomatoid papulosis is a stubborn persistent rash that usually occurs on the chest, stomach, back, arms and legs. This condition is slightly more common in women. It is characterized by an infiltration of large atypical cells surrounded by inflammatory cells. It is a low-grade, self-limited T cell lymphoma with a low but real risk of progression to more malignant forms of lymphoma. The cause of lymphomatoid papulosis is unknown but it is associated with a proliferation of atypical T-cell lymphocytes (funny-looking white cells). It may affect people of all races, age but is less often seen in black skinned people. Lymphomatoid papulosis is sometimes confused with acute pityriasis lichenoides and several other skin conditions. Lesions spontaneously heal with or without scarring within 2-8 weeks of appearing. There is no cure for lymphomatoid papulosis. It often lasts for years, over which time patients need to regularly see their doctor to pick up any changes that may signal early lymphoma.
Causes of Lymphomatoid papulosis
The cause of lymphomatoid papulosis is not known. Lymphomatoid papulosis often lasts for years. Patients need to see their doctor regularly to make sure their condition does not turn into cancer. Lymphomatoid papulosis may begin as a reactive, chronic, polyclonal lymphoproliferative phenomenon that sporadically overwhelms host immune defenses and evolves into a clonal, antigen-independent, true lymphoid malignancy. Antigens shared with and occasional progression to Hodgkin's disease or cutaneous T cell lymphoma suggest a low-grade lymphoma, perhaps induced by chronic antigenic stimulation.
Common causes and risk factors of Lymphomatoid papulosis:
- Proliferation of atypical T-cell lymphocytes.
- In some people lymphomatoid papulosis turns into lymphoma which is a form of cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Lymphomatoid papulosis
Sign and symptoms may include the following :
- Itchy skin.
- Appetite loss.
- Fever, chills are also present,
- Drenching night sweats.
- Fatigueness.
- Weight loss.
Treatment for Lymphomatoid papulosis
Lymphomatoid papulosis is difficult to treat and there is no cure for this condition. No treatments have proved consistently effective, as is evidenced by the multiple reported therapies. Tetracyclines, sulfones, systemic glucocorticoids, and even acyclovir have been reported as effective by some researchers. Methotrexate is sometimes used to treat lymphomatoid papulosis.
Treatment may include:
- Methotrexate is sometimes used to treat lymphomatoid papulosis.
- Cortisone ointments will sometimes help.
- Lymphomatoid papulosis is a recurrent condition and is by definition self healing. In most cases no treatment is required
- Ultraviolet light treatment may help in controlling lymphomatoid papulosis.
- Topical steroid creams can also be used.
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