Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau successfully treated with adalimumab: A case report

Abstract

Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau is a chronic, inflammatory, and relapsing condition that presents as pustules of the fingers and toes, often with nail involvement. This condition is infrequently reported, difficult to treat, and often misdiagnosed. Various anti-psoriatic therapies have been used, but literature is limited to case studies with equivocal results. Biological therapy is revolutionizing the management of many dermatologic conditions and is believed to be a promising option for acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau patients who have failed conventional therapy. We report the 4-year treatment course of a 70-year-old woman with acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau that was initially unsuccessful with conventional treatments but successfully treated with the tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor adalimumab, in combination with alitretinoin and clobetasol propionate. This case adds to the current understanding of acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau and the potential of biological therapy, in our case, adalimumab, for acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau management. Literature should continue growing to ascertain the safety and efficacy of biologic therapy for patients with acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau.