Publication:

Dyssebacea: a feature that points to an underlying pellagra

Niacin (vitamin B3) is a B complex vitamin whose deficiency leads to pellagra, a condition with characteristic cutaneous, gastrointestinal and neurological features. In the western world, it is almost eradicated due to fortification of flour with niacin. In developing countries, it is commonly seen in low socioeconomic group of population or in areas where corn or maize is a staple diet and it generally affect adults. The role of niacin has also been detected in various non dermatological conditions like hypertension apart from its dermatological uses. Its deficiency can easily be missed unless the patient presents with the characteristic photosensitive rash. “Dyssebacia” is the name coined to describe numerous plugs of inspissated sebum projecting from dilated orifices of sebaceous gland. It is occasionally found to precede other dermatological findings in pellagra. Hence it is important for a clinician to know this unusual finding, dyssebacea, which helps in early detection and treatment of the deficiency.