The cutaneous mucinoses

The cutaneous mucinoses are a group of connective tissue disorders characterized by the deposition of mucin, either focally or diffusely, in the interstices of the dermis. The diseases may be a primary (metabolic) or secondary (catabolic) process. Systemic abnormalities are seen with most of these disorders. This review discusses the primary mucinoses in which the predominant dermal mucin is hyaluronic acid. Current therapy and proposed mechanisms for the mucinoses are considered.