How to Diagnose Darier's Disease

Darier's disease, also called Keratosis Follicularis, is a disorder largely seen in families. It manifests itself by a rash usually affecting areas of the neck, chest, back, forehead, ears and groin, but it can occur in other areas as well. The rash emits a bad odor and can cause fingernails to become weak and fragile.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Learn about Darier's disease, including facts such as that it's not contagious and that the rash grows worse in the summer months due to humidity, heat and sunlight.
2. Expect that symptoms of the disorder differ for each individual and, in fact, may have signs that can be seen only on close and careful observation. This depends on the degree to which the disease manifests itself and varies greatly over time.
3. Recognize the symptoms of Darier's disease, which include the development of large, painful lesions over various areas of the body. They look like scaly, oily papules and can form over the dry areas of the back, chest, face and neck.
4. Seek the help of a dermatologist, a physician who specializes in the treatment and care of your skin. Since the signs of Darier's disease often mimic similar symptoms of other dermatologic conditions, a dermatologist knows how to diagnose and treat this condition.
5. Prepare to undergo a skin biopsy if you have any of the above symptoms. This consists of a microscopic look at a sample of your skin. After the biopsy, the diagnosis can be easily made and appropriate treatment begun.

Tips & Warnings

• This skin disorder usually manifests itself in the teens or 20s and happens more to males than females.