# Unraveling Dowling–Degos Disease: A Rare Skin Disorder

## TL;DR

This paper presents a case of a rare skin disorder called Dowling–Degos disease in a 51-year-old woman and her family.

## Contribution

The study reports a familial case of DDD with clinical and histopathological confirmation.

## Key findings

- The patient had asymptomatic brownish-black reticular lesions in flexural areas.
- The patient's family members also showed similar skin lesions.
- The diagnosis was confirmed through clinical and histopathological evaluation.

## Abstract

Dowling–Degos disease (DDD) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by brown to black macules distributed symmetrically in the axilla, groin, elbow, face, neck, and trunk. It is more common in women, usually after puberty. The main pathogenesis behind DDD is a mutation in the keratin 5 gene. Here, we present a case of 51‐year‐old female presenting as asymptomatic brownish‐black lesions arranged in a reticular pattern involving flexural sites. The clinical and histopathological findings are consistent with DDD. Her mother, brother, son, and daughter also had similar lesions. The patient was counseled about the prognosis and treatment options of the disease.