Efficacy of Calcipotriol/Betamethasone Ointment in Facial Discoid Dermatosis

Abstract

Facial Discoid Dermatosis (FDD) is a rare chronic skin condition characterised by persistent, annular erythematous and desquamative papules on the face. Its aetiology is unclear, making differential diagnosis challenging. Key clinical features include pink-orange, minimally scaling lesions limited to the face, sudden onset with long-term stability, and resistance to treatment. We report a new case of FDD in a patient in his late 30's, unresponsive to various treatments until improvement with topical calcipotriol/betamethasone ointment. A review of 22 cases reveals a female predominance and broad age range. Histopathology consistently shows hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, psoriasiform hyperplasia, follicular plugging, and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. Many cases, including ours, also reported the presence of abundant Demodex folliculorum.