Linear Hypopigmentation After Digital Intra-articular Injection of Corticosteroid

Abstract

To the Editor.— The development of potent topical corticosteroids and occlusive dressing techniques has resulted in less frequent use of intralesional and sublesional adrenal steroid injections in dermatology. 1 However, this injection technique is often necessary for resistant or deep-set lesions. Intra-articular injections are also used frequently in rheumatology, and often a series of such injections is given. The reactions after local injections of corticosteroid suspensions have been reviewed in detail. Atrophy is not uncommon. Perilymphatic skin atrophy after intra-articular injections into the knees was found in an elderly woman with classic rheumatoid arthritis. 2 Linear atrophy has occurred after injections into various tissues, and hypopigmentation has been associated with such atrophy. Howev- er, the elderly woman mentioned 2 was apparently the first to show a linear reaction after injections deep into a joint cavity. To our knowledge, the reaction of linear leukoderma after local corticosteroid injection has not been