Micropapular Cutaneous Sarcoidosis Confined to the Face: An Uncommon Clinical Variant

Cureus. 2025 May 31;17(5):e85135. doi: 10.7759/cureus.85135. eCollection 2025 May.

Abstract

Micropapular sarcoidosis represents an uncommon variant of cutaneous sarcoidosis, typically presenting with a sudden onset, often resolving without residual scarring, and generally favorable prognosis. Its resemblance to other chronic papular dermatoses makes diagnosis challenging, especially in cases with subtle or localized cutaneous manifestations. We report a case of a 36-year-old female who presented with gradually progressive, asymptomatic skin-colored, and erythematous papules localized to the periorbital and perioral regions over six months. Systemic symptoms were absent, and routine blood investigations revealed anemia and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Skin biopsy revealed noncaseating epithelioid granulomas with lymphocytes suggestive of cutaneous sarcoidosis. The patient responded well to a combination of oral corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, and topical corticosteroids, with near-complete resolution of lesions and residual post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation over a period of three months. This case emphasizes the importance of considering micropapular sarcoidosis in the differential diagnosis of chronic facial papular eruptions and highlights the effectiveness of early appropriate treatment.

Keywords: cutaneous sarcoidosis; facial papules; granulomatous dermatoses; micropapular sarcoidosis; noncaseating granuloma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports