Cutaneous Granulomatous Disorders Program
The Cutaneous Granulomatous Disorders Program brings together dermatologists, dermatopathologists, and researchers with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of granulomatous disorders of the skin. Granulomatous disorders of the skin include the following diagnoses:
- Sarcoidosis
- Granuloma annulare
- Necrobiosis lipoidica
- Reactive granulomatous dermatitis
- Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis
- Interstitial granulomatous drug (medication) reaction
- Palisaded neutrophilic and granulomatous dermatitis
- Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma
- Rubella granulomas
- Granulomatous dermatitis, not otherwise specified
These conditions lead to skin rashes, which can be very problematic and are frequently life-altering. Individuals affected by these disorders may experience frustration due to the lack of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment modalities. Yale’s Cutaneous Granulomatous Disorders Program recognizes this and works individually with each patient to find the treatment approach that is most suited to their particular situation and individual goals. The program also strives to identify and evaluate new therapies for these disorders.
Our Approach
The primary goal of the Cutaneous Granulomatous Disorders Program is to provide optimal care for each patient seen in our specialty clinic, where we take an individualized approach to each patient’s diagnosis and their goals, pairing these with the best treatment options. The program also has several active clinical trials; patients who are interested may have the ability to participate, potentially providing access to some of the latest molecular therapies undergoing evaluation for the treatment of these disorders. Patients may also have an opportunity to participate in other research projects designed to better understand the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases and their effect on patient well-being.
Our Team
Our team was assembled with the goal of bringing together leading experts in cutaneous granulomatous disorders. The physicians in the program include internationally recognized leaders in medical education on cutaneous granulomatous disorders, scientists that have deciphered the underlying immunology of these disorders, individuals that have developed consensus diagnostic criteria for necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, and physicians that have led the evaluation of new treatment approaches for patients with sarcoidosis, granuloma annulare, and necrobiosis lipoidica.
Our team also includes dedicated pharmacists with specialized training in the practical and safe use of cutting-edge dermatologic medications, including those used to treat cutaneous granulomatous disorders. The pharmacists have vast expertise in effectively coordinating insurance coverage and are another important point of contact for our patients as they navigate coverage of specialty medications.
For patients with sarcoidosis involving the skin, our dermatologists will work closely with their other specialists to identify the optimal treatment approach. Yale has been recognized on multiple occasions for their contributions to progress in the evaluation and treatment of patients with sarcoidosis and is a Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance site.