Terra firma-forme dermatosis revisited

Abstract

Terra firma-forme dermatosis is a cutaneous discoloration resembling dirt, hence the clinical name. The dyschromia cannot be removed with routine soap and water washing, but can be eliminated by rubbing with isopropyl alcohol. Although the condition poses no serious medical threat, it is cosmetically distressing. Our experience is that this entity is much more frequent that might be expected when considering the paucity of reports in the readily available medical literature. We chronicle a series of cases to highlight occurrence in widely divergent demographic groups and long duration of remission following appropriate topical intervention. The cause remains unknown.