Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans: Successful Treatment With Clofazimine Under a Single-Patient Investigational New Drug Study

Erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP), or ashy dermatosis, is a relatively rare condition clinically characterized by slate gray to blue-brown macules often with some degree of initial inflammation. This condition has been described more commonly in Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV and does not appear to have an age or gender predilection. The diagnosis is essentially made clinically, as histopathology is relatively nonspecific. To date, there is no consistent treatment of choice. The use of several therapies has been reported, including topical keratinolytics, corticosteroids, chloroquine diphosphate, sunscreens, dapsone, UV light, and Q-switched ruby laser treatments, but few have been effective. Clofazimine has shown to be successful in the treatment of EDP in smaller studies. However, commercial distribution of clofazimine was discontinued in November 2004. We report a case of EDP in which the patient was enrolled in an Investigational New Drug study for clofazimine and responded well to this treatment.