Perforating folliculitis
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Synopsis

Perforating folliculitis is 1 of 4 classic perforating dermatoses that are now grouped under the umbrella term of "acquired perforating dermatoses," along with elastosis perforans serpiginosa, reactive perforating collagenosis, and Kyrle disease. Acquired perforating dermatoses are often associated with diabetes mellitus or chronic renal disease; however, they may also occur in patients with other systemic diseases, in association with medications such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors, and in patients without an underlying disease. Perforating folliculitis specifically has also been described in the setting of psoriasis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, primary sclerosing cholangitis, HIV infection, and trauma.
Perforating folliculitis is so named for the process in which dermal material is eliminated transepidermally (transfollicularly). Clinically, there are scaly papules in hair-bearing areas that may be asymptomatic to severely pruritic. Perforating folliculitis is reported to occur more frequently in women and is most prevalent in adulthood.
Without treatment, perforating folliculitis tends to persist for long periods of time. It often regresses with stabilization of renal disease or renal transplant.
Perforating folliculitis is so named for the process in which dermal material is eliminated transepidermally (transfollicularly). Clinically, there are scaly papules in hair-bearing areas that may be asymptomatic to severely pruritic. Perforating folliculitis is reported to occur more frequently in women and is most prevalent in adulthood.
Without treatment, perforating folliculitis tends to persist for long periods of time. It often regresses with stabilization of renal disease or renal transplant.
Codes
ICD10CM:
L73.9 – Follicular disorder, unspecified
L87.9 – Transepidermal elimination disorder, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
13600006 – Folliculitis
201330005 – Transepidermal elimination disorders
L73.9 – Follicular disorder, unspecified
L87.9 – Transepidermal elimination disorder, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
13600006 – Folliculitis
201330005 – Transepidermal elimination disorders
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Acne vulgaris and acneiform eruptions
- Folliculitis
- Keratosis pilaris
- Perforating pseudoxanthoma elasticum
- Perforating granuloma annulare
- Hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans
- Elastosis perforans serpiginosa
- Reactive perforating collagenosis
- Kyrle disease
- Epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa
- Prurigo nodularis
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Therapy
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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.
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References
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Last Reviewed:05/02/2021
Last Updated:06/08/2021
Last Updated:06/08/2021