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Morrow-Brook Follicular Keratosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Follicular keratosis is a disorder in which the keratinized scales lead to blockage of the mouths of the hair follicles.
For the first time Cazenave (1856) described the Morrow-Brook follicular keratosis called "acnae sébacée cornu". Then N. A. Brook and P. A Morrow, after studying the clinical course of the disease, proposed the term "follicular keratosis".
[What causes follicular keratosis?
Follicular keratosis is a frequent disease, the cause of which is unknown, but most often it is congenital. Previously believed that follicular keratosis is a contagious disease. But this was not confirmed. Many authors attribute it to genodermatosis.
Histopathology
In the epidermis hyperkeratosis of the mouth of the hair follicles is seen in the form of horn concentric plugs of the spike type. It is believed that interfollicular epidermis and ducts of sweat glands take part in the formation of spines. The expanded epidermis pushes them upwards in the form of nodules.
Symptoms of follicular keratosis
Follicular keratosis begins in childhood. Follicular keratosis is manifested with the appearance of dry skin of the palms and soles, turning to the skin of the trunk, the scalp. Then on this background there are disseminated, symmetrically located, as a rule, follicular, dense rounded dry nodules of grayish color, on top of which in some places horny spines or fragments of hair are visible. All skin can be affected; sharply expressed diffuse keratodermia (palms and soles) with deep folds and cracks. Nail plates are thickened, curved, with longitudinal grooves.
Multiple small follicular papules occur mainly on the lateral surface of the hands, thighs and buttocks, and possibly face damage, especially in children. The condition of the outbreaks worsens in winter and improves in the summer. Perhaps redness of the skin, and the problem is more of a cosmetic nature, but itching may occur.
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
Treatment of follicular keratosis
Usually, follicular keratosis treatment is not required and often is unsatisfactory. Water-soluble petrolatum and water (in equal parts), cold cream or petrolatum with 3% salicylic acid leads to skin smoothing. Lotions or creams with buffered lactic acid, 6% salicylic acid gel or a cream containing 0.1% tretinoin can also be effective. Creams with acid content should not be given to small children, since a burning sensation is possible. Recently, a laser has been successfully used to treat facial skin redness.
Apply high and medium doses of vitamin A (200000-100000 units.), Aevit, in severe course - retinoids, externally - 1-2% salicylic ointment, salt baths and corticosteroids.