Images of Sarcoidosis of the Skin: What to Know

Cutaneous sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition in which clusters of immune cells form in the skin. Lesions may be skin-coloured, red-brown, violet or darker than surrounding skin. They can appear on the face, around the nose, on the ears, trunk or scars. Some are flat and plaque-like; others are raised and firm. The same appearance can occur with infections, autoimmune disease or other inflammatory skin disorders, so an image is a clue rather than a diagnosis.

Book a dermatology assessment for persistent or unexplained lesions. Your clinician may ask about breathing symptoms, eye symptoms, joint discomfort and previous diagnoses, then inspect the skin and recommend a biopsy. Management depends on the extent, location and activity of disease. A steroid placed into a suitable lesion may help a limited area, while oral corticosteroid treatment may be considered when inflammation is more widespread or affects important organs. Do not self-treat an undiagnosed rash with steroid cream.

Seek urgent medical advice for new breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, severe eye pain, blurred vision or sudden weakness. Arrange prompt dermatology review if lesions ulcerate, bleed, become painful, change quickly or involve the eyelids, nose or mouth.

Ask whether a biopsy is appropriate, whether other organs need checking, which treatment fits the lesion location and how changes should be monitored.