Introduction - kava Introduction - kava dermopathy Demographics Causes Clinical features Diagnosis Differential diagnoses Treatment Outcome
The kava plant is a member of the black pepper family (Piper methysticum) that is traditionally used in the South Pacific to make a psychotropic beverage consumed in cultural ceremonies and also socially — the drink is also called kava.
Kava is made by infusing the dried roots of the kava plant in water, or less commonly, in coconut milk.
Kava dermopathy is a skin condition that occurs in patients who regularly consume kava [1]. In Fiji, kava dermopathy is known as kanikani [2], while in Australia it is also known as crocodile skin [4].
Kava dermopathy occurs in people who are regular or heavy consumers of kava [2,3].
It most commonly occurs in the South Pacific and the Indigenous population of northern Australia [4].
The cause of kava dermopathy is unknown; however, there are many hypotheses including [2]:
Kava dermopathy is usually a clinical diagnosis, taking into account the physical features and the history, including a history of regular kava consumption, in addition to the resolution of the rash on the cessation of kava consumption [4].
Other ichthyotic disorders may appear similar to kava dermopathy. Ichthyotic disorders can be distinguished based on the patient’s history.
Inherited ichthyosis will usually occur at a much younger age and may be congenital (eg, ichthyosis vulgaris and recessive X-linked ichthyosis).
Other causes of acquired ichthyosis include [5]:
Kava dermopathy clears up when the consumption of kava is stopped [3,4].
General measures to manage the rash include:
Ongoing kava consumption will result in persistence and likely progression of kava dermopathy.
