• M Salavert, F Franck, S Amarger, S Mansard, P Souteyrand, and M D'Incan.
• Service de Dermatologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand.
• Ann Dermatol Vener. 2006 Dec 1; 133 (12): 975-8.

BackgroundErosive pustular dermatosis of the legs is a rare and recently described condition seen in elderly subjects. It is characterised by symmetric erosions of the legs resulting from a confluence of sterile pustules, usually following minor trauma. Treatment with dermal corticosteroids is rapidly effective but is not codified and relapse is common.Case ReportsThree patients aged respectively 74, 84 and 92 years presented ulcers of the legs and ankles associated with peripheral pustules following minor injury. These pustules were sterile and exhibited a spongiform appearance on histological examination. None of these patients had a prior history of psoriasis. However, all presented zinc deficiency. Treatment with dermal corticosteroids combined with oral zinc gluconate resulted in complete resolution in two of the patients after several days of therapy and proved effective during relapse in the third patient.DiscussionErosive pustular dermatosis of the legs is a benign dermatosis that is probably under-reported that should be included in the category of inflammatory neutrophilic dermatoses. The cases we present suggest a triggering or enhancing role of zinc deficiency.

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