Follicular keratosis

The well-known deficiency syndrome is scurvy. The initial changes are follicular keratosis on the upper arms, back, buttocks, and lower extremities, which are related to a defective collagen synthesis.28 This is followed by a purpuric follicular rash, swollen, bleeding gums, stomatitis, and epistaxis. Hematomas, especially painful subperiostal, may develop.29... 

Darier s disease (follicular keratosis) can be exacerbated by lithium (416,417). 

Therapeutic uses—Retinol is valuable in the treatment of night blindness and xerophthalmia, malabsorption syndrome or obstructive jaundice, and malnourished people who show Bitot s spots or follicular keratosis. 

These accomplishments represent the culmination of a decade of clinical and laboratory investigation into the therapeutic spectrum and the mechanisms of action of retinoids in the skin. This interest arose from the use of oral vitamin A as therapy for a variety of dermatoses for the past 40 years. This usage was based initially on the similarity between the follicular keratoses seen in vitamin A deficiency and those in previously treatment-resistant skin disorders, such as Darier s disease (keratosis follicularis) and pityriasis rubra pilaris. Vitamin A deficiency thus provides a conceptual link in understanding how retinoids may be effective as therapy for a wide range of dermatologic disorders. 

He was first seen at Cardiff by one of us (Dr. E. Waddington) in 1956. His skin had been dry since the age of 18 months. His father had keratosis pilaris there was no other relevant family history. Examination at the age of 2 years revealed a normally developed child with generalized follicular horny prominences. The lesions were most pronounced on the cheeks, ears, neck, upper trunk and limbs. All the flexures were involved. There was thickening of the palms and soles. 

The following clinical diagnoses have been considered Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) keratosis pilaris generalized comedone naevus and ichthyosis with a pronounced follicular component. 

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