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There are several skin diseases that favour the neck.
For each of the ten cases, study the image(s) and then answer the questions. You can click on the image to view a larger version if required.
Each case should take approximately 2 minutes to complete. There is a list of suggested further reading material at the end of the quiz.
Name the skin condition affecting the patient’s neck.
Poikiloderma of Civatte
How would you treat it?
Part of the inevitable ageing process results in discolouration on the sides of the neck, which can be quite pronounced in some women. There is a patchy hyperpigmentation and erythema in association with telangiectasia. The appearance is known as Poikiloderma of Civatte; poikiloderma strictly refers to a combination of brown, red and white skin in association with atrophy. The skin immediately under the chin is spared, so it is thought that sun exposure accounts for its distribution. The poikiloderma may spread to affect the lower half of the face, the chest, and occasionally the arms. Intense pulsed light treatment is very effective in most cases.
Pulsed dye laser or other vascular devices may also improve the appearance but risk damaging thin skin resulting in scarring.