First described by Dr. Achille Civatte in 1923, poikiloderma of Civatte is characterized by red-brown, irregular pigmented patches. They contain hypopigmentation as well as dilated or broken blood vessels (telangiectasias).
Most commonly, the sides of the neck and sometimes the sides of the cheeks are affected. It mayalso occur on the arms. Women are affected far more commonly than men.
What causes poikiloderma of Civatte?
This condition is thought to be caused by chronic and excessive sun exposure. The distribution of the eruption, affecting the sides of the neck but sparing the shaded area under the chin, suggests that sun is a key factor in the development of poikiloderma.
In some patients, certain cosmetics, especially perfumes that make the skin more sensitive to the sun, might also contribute to the pigmentation observed in this condition.
Poikiloderma is often stubborn and has a variable response to treatment, but a number of treatment strategies can be tried, including:
- Avoid the use of cosmetics and perfumes (especially on the neck). Perfumes may be applied to the clothes rather than the skin.
- Broad spectrum sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection and SPF of at least 30 should be used daily on the affected areas to prevent further darkening of the skin or worsening of this condition.
- Certain “bleaching creams” and other lightening techniques.
- Laser treatment is one of the most effective therapies for treating this condition. Intense Pulse Light (IPL) and pulse-dye lasers such as the V Beam Vascular Laser Therapy can be used to significantly reduce the discoloration and even out the tone and texture of the skin.
At Sanova Dermatology, we understand that poikiloderma of Civatte can be frustrating—we're here to help. Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists to learn which treatment methods may work best for you.
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