Rheumatoid papules treated with dapsone.

Author(s): Martin JA, Jarrett P

Affiliation(s): Department of Dermatology, Tauranga Public Hospital, New Zealand. jamartin@doctors.org.uk

Publication date & source: 2004-07, Clin Exp Dermatol., 29(4):387-9.

Publication type: Case Reports

A patient with a long history of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis presented with a progressive papular eruption on the trunk. A skin biopsy showed a neutrophilic and palisaded granulomatous dermatitis compatible with rheumatoid papules. The eruption failed to respond to topical and systemic corticosteroids and the patient was treated with dapsone with complete resolution of the rash. Rheumatoid papules are a rare disorder seen in a variety of collagen vascular diseases. The literature concerning the treatment of rheumatoid papules is scanty. In this patient, dapsone was an effective treatment.