olanzapine and Acne-Vulgaris

Hypertrophic discoid lupus erythematosus is a distinct form of chronic cutaneous (discoid) lupus, which is characterized by hyperkeratotic plaques that typically are observed over the face, arms, and upper trunk. We present the case of a 43-year-old man with verrucous plaques that were distributed symmetrically over the face, who initially was treated with oral antibiotics and topical glucocorticoids for acne vulgaris. A biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of hypertrophic discoid lupus erythematosus. The clinical and histopathologic features of this clinical variant are reviewed.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antipsychotic Agents; Benzodiazepines; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid; Male; Olanzapine; Schizoid Personality Disorder; Sertraline; Smoking; Treatment Outcome

Self-inflicted dermatoses are often difficult to treat. We present three patients with excoriated acne, self-induced skin ulcers, and trichotillomania, respectively, whose symptoms responded favorably to a 2- to 4-week course of the atypical antipsychotic olanazpine at a dosage of 2.5 to 5.0 mg daily. In two of three patients, the efficacy of the olanzapine was most likely related to an attenuation of dissociative symptoms that were associated with the self-induced skin ulcers and trichotillomania.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adult; Antipsychotic Agents; Benzodiazepines; Female; Humans; Olanzapine; Pirenzepine; Psychophysiologic Disorders; Skin Diseases; Skin Ulcer; Trichotillomania