[Rheumatoid arthritis : These dermatoses lead you to the diagnosis].

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common autoimmune disorders. In addition to chronic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis may present a variety of extra-articular manifestations, most commonly of the skin.

Objectives: Cutaneous manifestations associated with rheumatoid arthritis can be diverse, both specific and nonspecific. Which dermatoses should lead you to the diagnosis of an underlying rheumatoid arthritis?

Methods: Evaluation of exemplary overviews, case presentations and relevant textbook articles.

Results: Rheumatoid arthritis presents various specific and nonspecific skin manifestations. Besides visual diagnosis like classic rheumatoid nodules a histopathologic correlation or an interdisciplinary approach is often needed, such as for diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum.

Conclusions: The early detection and correct classification of cutaneous manifestations associated with rheumatoid arthritis can be groundbreaking for a successful therapy and a consequently better prognosis for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore dermatologists bear responsibility in the patient-centered care.