Chronic sun damage can lead to
Chronic sun damage can lead to "leather-like" skin folding and creasing of the neck known as cutis rhomboidalis nuchae.
This image displays creases in the neck typical of chronic sun damage and aging.
This image displays creases in the neck typical of chronic sun damage and aging.
This image displays sun damage to the back of the neck, giving a wrinkled, cross-hatched appearance.
This image displays sun damage to the back of the neck, giving a wrinkled, cross-hatched appearance.
The leathery thickening of the skin seen in cutis rhomboidalis nuchae leads to exaggerated skin lines and hair follicles, as seen in this image.
The leathery thickening of the skin seen in cutis rhomboidalis nuchae leads to exaggerated skin lines and hair follicles, as seen in this image.

Images of Cutis Rhomboidalis Nuchae (4)

Chronic sun damage can lead to
This image displays creases in the neck typical of chronic sun damage and aging.
This image displays sun damage to the back of the neck, giving a wrinkled, cross-hatched appearance.
The leathery thickening of the skin seen in cutis rhomboidalis nuchae leads to exaggerated skin lines and hair follicles, as seen in this image.

Cutis Rhomboidalis Nuchae

Cutis rhomboidalis nuchae is caused by long-term, prolonged sun exposure and resultant damage to the skin on the back of the neck. The affected skin becomes thick, leathery, and has deep lines in a geometric pattern. Once the skin changes of cutis rhomboidalis nuchae have occurred, they are difficult, if not impossible, to reverse.

Who's At Risk?

Cutis rhomboidalis nuchae primarily occurs in older individuals with lighter skin colors, particularly those with a history of prolonged sun exposure. Those who work outside are predisposed to cutis rhomboidalis nuchae.

Signs & Symptoms

Cutis rhomboidalis nuchae appears on the back of the neck as deep wrinkling and furrowing of the skin associated with a leathery texture.

Self-Care Guidelines

Ideally, prevent cutis rhomboidalis nuchae and other types of sun damage by avoiding sun exposure midday (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM), wearing sun-protective clothing (tightly woven clothes and hats), and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen (meaning it blocks UVA and UVB rays) with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or above.

Treatments

No treatment is needed for cutis rhomboidalis nuchae. However, there are treatment options available for cosmetic purposes, such as topical retinoids (eg, tretinoin cream or gel) or laser therapy.

Visit Urgency

Cutis rhomboidalis nuchae does not require medical care, but it is a sign of severe sun damage. Seeing a medical professional to look for other signs of skin damage, such as sun-induced skin cancers, is recommended.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Disease Groups: Sun Damage

Last modified on July 27th, 2023 at 3:44 pm

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