An erythematous facial rash
Two months of treatment with doxycycline provided no improvement. A biopsy of the patient’s cheek led to a proper diagnosis.
A 59-year-old woman presented to our clinic with a large asymptomatic facial rash that had developed several months earlier. The rash had been slowly growing but did not change day to day. Her past medical history was significant for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cutaneous lymphoma, which was localized to her arms. She denied the use of any new products, including hair or facial products, nail polish, or any new medications.
Initially, she was presumed (by an outside provider) to have rosacea, and she received treatment with doxycycline 100 mg/d for 2 months. However, the rash did not improve.
Physical examination revealed a large erythematous rash involving her cheeks, nose, and periocular area with no other significant findings (FIGURE).
A biopsy of her right cheek was performed.
