Carpet tack sign

Carpet tack sign is a characteristic sign seen in Discoid lupus erythematosus.

“cat’s tongue sign” or “tin tack sign”

Carpet tack sign in DLE is also called as “cat’s tongue sign” or “tin tack sign”.

Gilliam and Sontheimer classification

Gilliam and Sontheimer classification divides LE into specific lesions that are only seen in LE and nonspecific lesions which are not limited to LE.

According to Gilliam and Sontheimer classification DLE is one of the lupus specific skin lesions.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most prevalent type of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

What is the mechanism of appearance of “carpet-tack sign”?

“carpet-tack sign”occurs due to :

Accumulation of scales in the hair follicles which leads to hair loss.

When scales are removed, undersurface shows horny or keratotic spikes which is the characteristic “carpet-tack sign”. This clinical sign is also called as 'tin tack sign', or 'cat tongue sign'.

Which are the conditions in which “carpet-tack sign” is seen?

	carpet-tack sign
1	Discoid lupus erythematosus
2	Seborrheic dermatitis
3	Pemphigus foliaceous