Reticular erythematous mucinosis syndrome: review of the world literature and report of the syndrome in a prepubertal child.

An 8-year-old boy with reticular erythematous mucinosis syndrome had erythematous plaques on his chest, face, and arms for three years. Sun exposure resulted in pruritus and increased lesions. Histologic examination revealed a perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrate with hematoxylin and eosin staining, positive staining material between the dermal collagen bundles with alcian blue (pH 2.5) staining, and granular basement membrane deposits of IgM with direct immunofluorescence staining. Results of all lupus erythematosus serologies and porphyrin studies were negative. Minimal erythema dose determinations to ultraviolet A and B were normal, and the lesions could not be induced with high doses of irradiation. Topical sunscreens, corticosteroid cream, and systemic beta-carotene produced no therapeutic benefit.