Atrophie Blanche

Atrophie Blanche

Key Points
Scarring of the lower leg occurring after a skin injury
Caused by skin injury in an area with poor circulation
Can develop in association with other conditions
Consists of ivory-white depressed plaques and pigmentation of surrounding tissue

Atrophie blanche, also known as livedoid vasculitis, is a condition in which scarring occurs on the lower leg due to poor circulation. It appears as a star-shaped or polyangular depressed atrophic plaques of ivory-white color. Enlarged capillaries cause red dots within the scar. Surrounding tissue will also experience a change in pigmentation.

Atrophie blanche generally develops in elderly patients, due to the prevalence of poor circulation in the extremities. It can also be associated with other conditions such as diabetes, venous insufficiency, Livedoid vasculitis, or injury resulting from Cryotherapy or skin cancer treatment procedures such as curettage or cautery.

Differential Diagnosis (Other conditions with similar appearance)
Diabetic vascular disease
Contact Dermatitis
Livedoid vasculopathy
Degos disease

Diagnosis
Key Points
Diagnosis based on skin appearance
Testing may be performed to rule out associated conditions

Livedoid vasculitis is generally diagnosed based on appearance. Health care professionals may perform testing to eliminate other conditions and rule out more serious, associated diseases.