Necrobiosis lipoidica: a rare childhood disease - case report

Abstract

Introduction: Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare chronic granulomatous skin disease, most common in adults, especially associated with diabetes mellitus. Its presentation in children is uncommon. The diagnosis of necrobiosis lipoidica is established based on the characteristic morphological appearance and location of the lesions, and is confirmed by histopathological examination. Objective: To report a case of necrobiosis lipoidica in childhood and a subsequent review of the literature based on the findings. Case description: This report describes the case of a 10-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes who developed skin lesions characteristic of NL. Treatment with topical tacrolimus and corticosteroids resulted in partial improvement of the lesions. Discussion: NL rarely affects children, especially those with type 1 diabetes. The classic presentation of the disease is shiny erythematous plaques with regular borders and a somewhat atrophic center, but the definitive diagnosis is made through histopathological examination. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for the proper management of these patients and to avoid possible complications. Treatment is usually topical with the use of potent corticosteroids.