National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Lymphocytic infiltrate of Jessner



Other Names:
Benign lymphocytic infiltration; Jessner disease; Jessner-Kanof syndrome; Benign lymphocytic infiltration; Jessner disease; Jessner-Kanof syndrome; Benign chronic T-cell infiltrative disorder See More
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Lymphocytic infiltrate of Jessner is a skin condition characterized by small, red, bumps on the face, neck, and upper back.[1][2] The bumps usually last for several months or longer and can enlarge to create a red plaque.[2] Typically, there are no other symptoms, although rarely, individuals may experience burning or itching. The symptoms may fluctuate between periods of worsening and periods of improvement.[1][2] Some cases of lymphocytic infiltrate of Jessner have been associated with borrelia infection (the bacteria that causes Lyme disease); however, in most instances, the cause is not known. Frequently, no treatment is necessary as the bumps and plaque usually spontaneously disappear.[2]
Last updated: 10/13/2016

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

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Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
Erythema 0010783
Papule 0200034
Skin plaque 0200035
30%-79% of people have these symptoms
Abnormal lymphocyte morphology 0004332
Cutaneous photosensitivity
Photosensitive skin
Photosensitive skin rashes
Photosensitivity
Sensitivity to sunlight
Skin photosensitivity
Sun sensitivity
[ more ]
0000992
Pruritus
Itching
Itchy skin
Skin itching
[ more ]
0000989
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Last updated: 7/1/2020

Lymphocytic infiltrate of Jessner may require no treatment (since it can resolve spontaneously), but some patients benefit from cosmetic camouflage, photoprotection, surgery to remove small lesions, use of steroids orally or topically, antimalarial medications such as hydroxychloroquine, cryotherapy, methotrexate, thalidomide, and/or oral auranofin.[1][2]
Last updated: 8/30/2016

If you need medical advice, you can look for doctors or other healthcare professionals who have experience with this disease. You may find these specialists through advocacy organizations, clinical trials, or articles published in medical journals. You may also want to contact a university or tertiary medical center in your area, because these centers tend to see more complex cases and have the latest technology and treatments.

If you can’t find a specialist in your local area, try contacting national or international specialists. They may be able to refer you to someone they know through conferences or research efforts. Some specialists may be willing to consult with you or your local doctors over the phone or by email if you can't travel to them for care.

You can find more tips in our guide, How to Find a Disease Specialist. We also encourage you to explore the rest of this page to find resources that can help you find specialists.

Healthcare Resources


Related diseases are conditions that have similar signs and symptoms. A health care provider may consider these conditions in the table below when making a diagnosis. Please note that the table may not include all the possible conditions related to this disease.

Conditions with similar signs and symptoms from Orphanet
Differential diagnoses include granuloma annulare, granuloma faciale, cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (see this term) and idiopathic photodermatoses such as polymorphic light eruption. The differential diagnosis with lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET, see this term) is much more difficult and some recent studies suggest JLIS cannot be separated from LET.
Visit the Orphanet disease page for more information.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Organizations Providing General Support


These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology provides information on Lymphocytic infiltrate of Jessner.
  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Lymphocytic infiltrate of Jessner. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Resources for Kids


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  1. Kara Melissa T Torres. Jessner lymphocytic infiltration of the skin. Medscape. Jan 12, 2015; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1098654-overview.
  2. Jessner lymphocytic infiltrate. DermNetNZ. September 2015; http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/jessner-lymphocytic-infiltrate/.