Poikiloderma of Civatte vs. Chronic Actinic Dermatitis
Similarities:
- Both are associated with chronic sun exposure, causing visible skin changes over time.
- They primarily affect areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to sunlight, like the face, neck, and arms.
- Both conditions benefit from protective measures like sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking clothing.
Differences:
- Poikiloderma of Civatte is mainly a cosmetic issue, causing a mottled reddish-brown appearance and visible blood vessels, but it doesn’t carry significant health risks.
- Chronic Actinic Dermatitis is a more serious condition where the skin becomes thickened, inflamed, and leathery over time, with ongoing risk of infection and other complications.
- Poikiloderma results from long-term UV damage, while chronic actinic dermatitis is often linked to an autoimmune response to UV light.