Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas in tissues such as the skin, lung, lymph nodes, eyes, joints, brain, kidneys, and heart. Cutaneous lesions may present with a variety of morphologies, including papules, nodules, plaques, and infiltrated scars.
One-third of patients with sarcoidosis have skin lesions. These lesions can be the presenting finding of the disease. Some of these lesions are nonspecific, but others are highly suggestive of sarcoidosis. There are many different types of lesions.
Here are a few common skin findings in Sarcoidosis:
Lupus pernio (first picture) : Lupus pernio is a violaceous or erythematous indurated papules, plaques, or nodules that are primarily distributed on the central face (though can also happen in the extremities and buttocks)
Erythema nodosum (second picture): raised tender inflammatory nodules over lower legs. Common and non-specific.
If you’re interested in reading more on sarcoidosis, here is a great review article.
Sarcoidosis. Michael C. Iannuzzi, M.D., Benjamin A. Rybicki, Ph.D., and Alvin S. Teirstein, M.D.N Engl J Med 2007; 357:2153-2165.
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra071714
