Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa.

Here we present two characteristic cases of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (cutaneous PAN). Cutaneous PAN is characterized by a chronic relapsing benign course over many years. In its mild form it presents with live-do and multiple painful nodular skin lesions mainly of the legs. In its more severe form painful skin ulcerations occur that are often accompanied by discrete polyneuropathy. Progression to systemic PAN is the exception. Only the more severe kinds of cutaneous PAN require a low-dose immuno-suppression. Assessment and treatment of cutaneous PAN are discussed.