Fox-Fordyce disease
See also in: AnogenitalAlerts and Notices
Synopsis
It is most common in females between puberty and age 35. Less commonly, it can affect male patients, prepubescent girls, and postmenopausal women. It may flare perimenstrually and improve during pregnancy and after menopause.
Codes
ICD10CM:L75.2 – Apocrine miliaria
SNOMEDCT:
65038009 – Fox-Fordyce disease
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
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Last Reviewed:01/31/2021
Last Updated:02/01/2021
Last Updated:02/01/2021
Patient Information for Fox-Fordyce disease
Overview
Fox-Fordyce disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the apocrine gland characterized by itchy red, purplish, or brown bumps, commonly occurring around the hair follicles of the armpits, navel, genital area, around the anus, and around the areolae.The cause is unclear; however, it is thought to involve blockage of the duct of the affected apocrine glands. As a result, ducts rupture and inflammation occurs.
Exercise, sexual activity, sweating, and overproduction of androgens may worsen the disease. It may improve or worsen with pregnancy.
Fox-Fordyce disease is very itchy and can interfere with quality of life. Chronic scratching can result in skin thickening as well as darkening of skin.
This condition may worsen in summer months due to increased sweat production.
Who’s At Risk
Fox-Fordyce disease primarily affects women aged 13-35 years and improves after menopause.Signs & Symptoms
Smooth, round, dome-shaped 2-3 mm bumps (papules) are found in a linear pattern in apocrine-rich gland areas of the body, including the armpits, areolae, anogenital region, and navel.Self-Care Guidelines
- Wear loose clothing.
- Avoid hot environments.
- Over-the-counter itch creams that contain menthol, phenol, or pramoxine can be helpful. Keep these in the refrigerator as the application of cool creams can provide even better relief of itch.
- Oral antihistamines such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine can further help to treat the itch.
When to Seek Medical Care
See a doctor if you are menstruating and papules have appeared in your axillary, areolar, perianal, or genital regions.Conditions that cause itch can be very distressing. If you are experiencing itching in any of these areas and it is causing stress or anxiety, see your dermatologist.
Treatments
- Topical corticosteroid cream or lotion for the affected area.
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus.
- Prescription oral antihistamines, eg, hydroxyzine.
- Tretinoin 0.05% cream and hydrocortisone 1% cream applied every other night for six weeks.
- Botulinum toxin, lasers, or surgery are sometimes used in severe cases that do not respond to the above treatments.
Fox-Fordyce disease
See also in: Anogenital