What is sarcoidosis of the skin?
Sarcoidosis of the skin, also known as cutaneous sarcoidosis, is a condition that causes immune cells to collect and form bumps, raised patches, or a rash on parts of your body. These sarcoidosis skin lesions are called granulomas and they’re caused by inflammation triggered by your immune system. Cutaneous sarcoidosis symptoms may be minor, or they may affect your daily life if they’re painful or cover a large part of your body. This skin condition can also be an early sign of other forms of sarcoidosis that may affect your lungs, kidneys, nerves, heart, eyes, or joints.
Whether you have mild or severe symptoms, Penn Dermatology’s Cutaneous Sarcoidosis Clinic focuses on diagnosing and treating this disease, using both traditional and innovative therapies. Because skin symptoms often occur with other forms of sarcoidosis, your care involves more than clearing your skin. Your dermatology team works with providers from a variety disciplines, like pulmonology or rheumatology. You’ll receive therapies that treat the whole disease and help relieve your symptoms.
Cutaneous sarcoidosis symptoms
Signs of this condition, sometimes called cutaneous manifestations of sarcoidosis, can vary. Most often, the condition causes bumps or patches on your face, including your mouth and nose and around your eyes. But they can also appear on other parts of your body, like your torso, legs, or arms. The skin lesions may be the color of your skin, or reddish brown, purple, tan, pink, or red. Sometimes they make your skin lighter or darker than usual. They also might be itchy, warm to the touch, or painful, and they may occur with swelling.
Sarcoidosis skin lesions can include:
- Small skin bumps and patches
- Patches of raised skin that may be smooth or rough and may leave a scar after they heal
- Lumps deep beneath the skin that are either painless or tender to the touch
- A rash that may be painful
- Bumps that form under a tattoo or scar
- Nail health issues (discolored or thin, brittle, or pitted nails), along with swelling in your fingers and toes
- Hair loss that occurs when raised patches form on your scalp
What causes sarcoidosis of the skin?
The exact cause of cutaneous sarcoidosis isn’t known, but it occurs when your immune system overreacts to a trigger, like a tattoo, medication, or something in your environment. This leads to the accumulation of immune cells and inflammation, which leads to bumps, patches, or rashes. There’s also a genetic link. Having a blood relative with the condition or having certain gene variations increases your risk of developing the disease. African Americans and people assigned female at birth are also at higher risk of developing sarcoidosis and skin lesions.
Diagnosing sarcoidosis of the skin
Sarcoidosis of the skin can look like other skin conditions, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. Your dermatologist will examine you to look for granulomas and may test a sample of your skin. If you’re having other symptoms, like trouble breathing or vision changes, you may need to see other specialists for an evaluation and more testing to determine if sarcoidosis is affecting other organs.
Cutaneous sarcoidosis treatment options
Sarcoidosis skin lesions may not need treatment if your symptoms are mild and likely to go away on their own. If this is the case, your dermatologist will monitor your condition. But you’ll need treatment if your skin is painful or itchy, if skin lesions cover most of your face or body, or if sarcoidosis could cause permanent skin damage. Therapies might include topical or oral medications to lower inflammation. More severe symptoms may need additional treatments, including surgery.
Highly specialized, whole-person care for sarcoidosis
Our team at Penn Dermatology’s Cutaneous Sarcoidosis Clinic treats the entire spectrum of the condition, from mild disease to extensive symptoms that affect multiple systems in your body. We have the expertise to examine skin biopsies, diagnose this condition, and begin treatment quickly, if needed. If sarcoidosis affects other organs, your dermatology team stays in contact with your other specialists across our medical center to bring you seamless care.
We also have researchers who actively study sarcoidosis. Penn Medicine is a member of the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance because of our commitment to look for a cure and our track record of providing complete care that focuses on all your medical needs.