Previous uncontrolled studies have suggested that pentoxifylline could be useful in the treatment of Schamberg disease (progressive purpuric pigmented dermatosis, PPPD).1,2 The objective of this randomized, investigator-blinded trial was to compare the clinical efficacies of oral pentoxifylline (Trental; Aventis, Mumbai, India) sustained-release dragées, 400 mg thrice daily, and topical betamethasone dipropionate cream, 0.05% wt/wt (Diprovate; Croslands, Pune, India) thin-film application locally twice daily. Steroids, topical and systemic, are credited with providing limited benefits and are commonly used to treat this condition.3