Minocycline Shows Promising for Treating Rare Skin Condition Granuloma Faciale: Case report
China: Granuloma faciale (GF) is a rare and chronic skin disorder characterized by reddish-brown or purplish-red nodules and plaques, often found on the face. The exact cause of GF remains unclear, making treatment challenging. However, a recent case report published in Clinical, Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology by Liu L and colleagues suggests that minocycline, an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties, could be a promising solution for this rare condition.
GF is a skin condition that primarily affects the face, although it can sometimes occur in other areas of the body. It progresses slowly and can persist for an extended period, posing a risk of disfigurement. Current treatment options for GF include corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, hydroxychloroquine, clofazimine, and more. However, individual responses to these treatments vary, and some patients do not respond well.
In this case report, a 61-year-old male patient presented with a red plaque on his left cheek, which had been present for two months. Initially, it appeared as a red papule and gradually developed into a plaque with scattered red papules at the edges. Despite previous treatment attempts with tacrolimus and glucocorticoid drugs, the patient's condition showed little improvement.
A skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of GF, revealing characteristic features such as leukocytoclastic vasculitis and mixed inflammatory cell infiltration around blood vessels in the dermis. Importantly, there was a notable presence of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils, indicating an inflammatory response.
Given the patient's poor response to previous treatments and the significant infiltration of neutrophils, the medical team decided to try oral minocycline (100mg twice a day). After just three weeks of treatment, there was a significant improvement in the plaque's appearance, with a reduction in inflammation.
Minocycline is an antibiotic with known anti-inflammatory properties. It works by inhibiting various immune cells and reducing the migration of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) to inflamed tissues. This mechanism of action aligns with the characteristics of GF, which involves inflammation and neutrophil infiltration.
While this case report shows promising results with minocycline treatment for GF, it is essential to note that more research and larger studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness. Due to the rarity of GF, treatment experiences primarily come from case reports and case series. Long-term follow-up of patients is also necessary to assess the therapy's long-term efficacy.
In conclusion, minocycline demonstrates potential as a treatment option for granuloma faciale, offering hope to individuals struggling with this challenging skin condition. Further research and clinical studies will help establish minocycline's role in the management of GF.
Reference:
Liu, L., He, Y., & Chang, J. (2023). A case of granuloma faciale successfully treated with minocycline. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 16, 2337–2339. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s425239
