Recent Articles of Interest

Keratosis follicularis is a slow developing genetic skin disease that creates hyperkeratotic papules. In addition to lesions, there are also nail abnormalities, and mucous membrane changes. This disorder affects both sexes equally and starts to show its symptoms between 6 and 30 years of age.

Symptoms of Keratosis Follicularis

Papules originate and rise from follicles, or the interfollicular epidermis. The lesions can develop into skin colored or yellow brown papules with a greasy uneven, or warty texture. They usually appear on the face, ears, chest, and back. These lesions may grow larger or spread. Sometimes patients have periods when signs improve (remission), but usually they recurrences are inevitable (relapse). Specific characteristics of these keratotic lesions are individual and differ from one person to another.

Those affected with keratosis follicularis often experience nail abnormalities that are unique to this disease. Nails develop red bands and ridges as well as suffer from splitting and sometimes a V-shaped nick at the free margin of the nail. Hyperkeratosis can possibly form underneath the nails.

Mucosal lesions form in about 15 percent of patients who suffer from keratosis follicularis. They appear as white papules with a center depression and are usually found in the mouth. Oral lesions can affect salivary glands and cause problems.

Treatment for Keratosis Follicularis

UV protection, cool cotton clothing and staying out of the heat can prevent outbreaks. Moisturizing creams that have urea or lactic acid can reduce scaling and hyperkeratosis. Topical steroid creams can help with inflammation. There are also treatments such as topical creams, injections, and oral medications that deal with uncomfortable symptoms of follicular keratosis.

For more serious cases, surgical options are also offered. Electrosurgery has been used to treat localized keratosis follicularis. New treatment methods using carbon dioxide lasers also help to reduce symptoms. A combination treatment using carbon dioxide lasers, curettage and shaving can lead to longer remission periods. This can put lesions into remission for up to 2 years. Photodynamic therapy is done with a type of acid that has proven effective in about 68 percent of patients and can improve or clear lesions for up to 3 years.