Amyloidosis is a rare condition that occurs when amyloid, an abnormal protein, builds up in organs of the body. Some forms of amyloidosis can also affect the skin. After all, the skin is the body’s largest organ.

This article will explain how amyloidosis can affect the skin, why it occurs, and what people with the condition can do to treat it.

What Is Cutaneous Amyloidosis?

There are many types of amyloidosis that can affect different areas of the body.

🗳️ Which type of primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) do you have?

Lichen

Macular

Nodular

More than one type

Thanks! You've successfully submitted your vote.

Sign up to view the results!

Continue with Facebook

Continue with Google

Continue with Email

By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.

Already a member? Log In

Amyloidosis that primarily affects the skin is known as primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA). In PLCA, amyloid deposits collect in the dermal papillae, small projections between the skin’s top two layers, the epidermis and dermis.

Skin symptoms can also occur in some systemic forms of amyloidosis. Systemic amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis has been reported to cause skin symptoms in about 30 percent to 40 percent of people with the condition. By contrast, people with secondary systemic amyloidosis rarely develop skin involvement.

Types of Skin Amyloidosis

There are three main types of PLCA:

• Lichen amyloidosis
• Macular amyloidosis
• Nodular amyloidosis

Each type of PLCA has distinct features and symptoms:

Lichen Amyloidosis

Lichen amyloidosis, the most common form of PLCA, usually causes very itchy, thickened skin with small raised bumps. The bumps can form scaly patches that look reddish-brown or darker than the surrounding skin and often appear on the shins and other parts of the legs, feet, or forearms.

Macular Amyloidosis

Macular amyloidosis usually causes mild itching and flat patches that are dark brown or gray. The patches often appear on the upper back, torso, or limbs. Their color is usually even, but some patches have a rippled or lacy appearance.

Nodular Amyloidosis

Nodular amyloidosis (also known as nodular localized cutaneous amyloidosis) can cause nodules (bumps) on the face, limbs, torso, or genitals. The nodules may be red, pink, or brown and are often firm and raised, but they usually aren’t itchy.

Managing Amyloidosis of the Skin

Currently, there’s no cure for amyloidosis. However, there are a variety of treatment options available to treat different forms of the condition.

A 2025 systematic review of 116 studies found surgery to be the most effective studied treatment for nodular amyloidosis. The study supported laser therapy for non-nodular PLCA. Biologic drugs and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors may be promising options for difficult-to-treat disease, although evidence remains limited and no standardized treatment exists.

For certain types of PLCA, such as lichen amyloidosis, some therapies may be helpful in managing symptoms like itching or reducing the appearance of lesions. These treatments include:

• Topical corticosteroids (inflammation-reducing drugs)
• Antihistamines (allergy drugs)
• Ultraviolet light therapy
• Laser therapy

Ultimately, more high-quality studies that compare treatments are needed to identify successful treatments for PLCA.