Dowling-Degos Disease

Dowling-Degos disease is characterized by a lacy or net-like (reticulate) pattern of abnormally dark skin coloring (hyperpigmentation) in the body's folds and creases. Other features may include abnormal growths and pus-filled swellings in the armpits, back, and neck. Symptoms typically develop in late childhood or in adolescence and progress over time. The classic form of Dowling-Degos disease occurs when the KRT5 gene is not working correctly. This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. The skin changes caused by Dowling-Degos disease can be distressing, but they typically don't cause health problems.