Riehl melanosis is a form of
contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a type of acute or chronic inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to chemical or physical agents. Symptoms of contact dermatitis can include itchy or dry skin, a red rash, bumps, blisters, or swelling. These rashes ...
, beginning with
pruritus
An itch (also known as pruritus) is a sensation that causes a strong desire or reflex to scratch. Itches have resisted many attempts to be classified as any one type of sensory experience. Itches have many similarities to pain, and while both ...
,
erythema
Erythema (, ) is redness of the skin or mucous membranes, caused by hyperemia (increased blood flow) in superficial capillaries. It occurs with any skin injury, infection, or inflammation. Examples of erythema not associated with pathology inc ...
, and pigmentation that gradually spreads which, after reaching a certain extent, becomes stationary.
The pathogenesis of Riehl melanosis is believed to be sun exposure following the use of some perfumes or creams (a photocontact dermatitis).
Riehl melanosis is named after the dermatologist
Gustav Riehl, who first described the condition in 1917.
See also
*
Skin lesion
A skin condition, also known as cutaneous condition, is any medical condition that affects the integumentary system—the organ system that encloses the body and includes skin, nails, and related muscle and glands. The major function of this ...
References
Disturbances of human pigmentation
Contact dermatitis
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