Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH): Two cases successfully treated with adalimumab

Abstract

Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH), also known as dermatitis repens or acrodermatitis perstans, is a rare acropustular eruption, characterized by sterile pustules, paronychia and atrophic skin changes, onychodystrophy and osteolysis of the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes. While some consider ACH a distinct entity, many believe it to be a variant of pustular psoriasis, especially as cases of ACH progressing to generalized pustular psoriasis. The treatment options used are various; however, its typical cyclic recurrences, which induce important physical and psychological morbidity, may render this pathology difficult to treat. Hence, it was considered important to review the evolution of treatment options available thus far including use of biologics. Hereby, we report two patients with ACH who were successfully treated with adalimumab. By analogy to the efficacy of TNF-α antagonists in the treatment of generalized pustular psoriasis, the two patients we report illustrate the long-term efficacy and safety of adalimumab in the treatment of  Hallopeau’s acrodermatitis refractory to therapies.

• acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau
• adalimumab
• anti-TNF-α agents