Fox-Fordyce disease is a rare inflammatory condition of apocrine gland-bearing regions caused by obliteration of the follicular infundibulum with keratin. The etiology is unknown, although an endocrine role has been postulated. The disease manifests as intensely pruritic, skin-colored or keratotic papules in the axillary, anogenital, umbilical, and periareolar areas. Heat, humidity, stress, and other external stimuli such as laser hair removal may worsen symptoms and lead to appearance of new papules.

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.