Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Amyloids And Acne Be Distinguished?
Question: Would a dermatologist be able to easily distinguish between acne and a papule/nodule caused by AL amyloidosis? I'm currently being tested for this condition and I have several sort of strange pimples on my shoulders. They look like typical acne, with a whitish head, but when you squeeze them it's evident that the white head is actually just part of the tissue overlying the spot and it can be scraped off but not squeezed out. Scratching and squeezing at them only causes minor bleeding, rather than an evacuation of pus. I've had these for at least 2 years and my dermatologist has never mentioned anything about them. Would a dermatologist be able to differentiate between regular acne and amyloid deposits in skin?
Brief Answer:
Amyloid and acne can be distinguished
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am Dr. Kakkar(Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and i have noted your concern.
AL amyloidosis and acne are usually easily identifiable from each other.
Acne has a faster evolution and would have new lesions form and resolve over days whereas nodular AL amyoidosis would usually have persistent lesions. AL amyloidosis would be asymptomatic unlike acne which can have symptoms like pain and they can drain and crust. AL amyloidosis papule/nodule would be a waxy lesion unlike an acne lesion which would be firm or soft, boggy, painful if inflamed.
In case of any doubt a skin biopsy in AL amyloid would show eosinophilic amorphous structures throughout the dermis, subcutis and around blood vessels which would also stain brightly with special stains like congo red Or thioflavin T stains and would be definitive evidence of amyloidosis.
Regards
Amyloid and acne can be distinguished
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am Dr. Kakkar(Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and i have noted your concern.
AL amyloidosis and acne are usually easily identifiable from each other.
Acne has a faster evolution and would have new lesions form and resolve over days whereas nodular AL amyoidosis would usually have persistent lesions. AL amyloidosis would be asymptomatic unlike acne which can have symptoms like pain and they can drain and crust. AL amyloidosis papule/nodule would be a waxy lesion unlike an acne lesion which would be firm or soft, boggy, painful if inflamed.
In case of any doubt a skin biopsy in AL amyloid would show eosinophilic amorphous structures throughout the dermis, subcutis and around blood vessels which would also stain brightly with special stains like congo red Or thioflavin T stains and would be definitive evidence of amyloidosis.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you for your response. To follow up:
I don't know how long any individual spot has been on my shoulders. I've just always been aware of having consistent bumps on my skin. So leaving aside the duration of any individual bump, would amyloidosis and acne be distinguishable to a dermatologist by appearance alone? Would amyloidosis ever look like a regular whitehead?
I don't know how long any individual spot has been on my shoulders. I've just always been aware of having consistent bumps on my skin. So leaving aside the duration of any individual bump, would amyloidosis and acne be distinguishable to a dermatologist by appearance alone? Would amyloidosis ever look like a regular whitehead?
Brief Answer:
A biopsy would confirm if your dernatologist is not sure
Detailed Answer:
Hi
As I said these two entities can be distinguised on clinical apearance and physical examination by an experienced dermatologist. However in case if any doubt a biopsy would be the decider.
Regards
A biopsy would confirm if your dernatologist is not sure
Detailed Answer:
Hi
As I said these two entities can be distinguised on clinical apearance and physical examination by an experienced dermatologist. However in case if any doubt a biopsy would be the decider.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Priyanka G Raj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
