Multiple dermatofibromas in a female with systemic lupus erythramatosus on immunosuppressive medications. Case report and a brief literature review

Abstract

Background: Multiple dermatofibromas (“DFs”) are defined by the presence of 15 lesions in the same patient or the development of five to eight DFs over the period of 4 months. Fifty-six percent of multiple DFs are associated with other diseases. The most common associated disease is systemic lupus erythematosus (“SLE”) followed by immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”) infection. Main observation: We report a case of a 25-year-old Saudi Arab female with SLE on immunosuppressive drugs with multiple DFs. Conclusion: The most common association with multiple DFs is SLE followed by HIV. Most of the patients with SLE were on immune suppressive medications. Dermatologists, rheumatologists, surgeons and internists should note that patients with SLE who are on immune suppressive medications are at risk of developing multiple DFs.