Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis of infancy: A series of 15 cases and review of the literature

Two cases of infancy associated eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (I-EPF) comparing the profile of infiltrating cells with classic EPF by immunohistochemical study

Infancy associated eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (I-EPF) is a clinical variant of EPF that develops in childhood. Previous studies have suggested that I-EPF exhibits clinical and histological differences distinct from other variants, including classic EPF. Herein, we report two patients with I-EPF treated with topical indomethacin. These two cases exhibited less perifollicular and more perivascular eosinophilic infiltration, which is different in distribution from that of classic EPF. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated that the infiltrating mononuclear cells were CD4-dominant T cells in classic EPF and I-EPF, whereas the number of CD68-positive cells was significantly higher in classic EPF than in I-EPF. Immunohistochemical staining was also performed for eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (HPGDS), which has been reported to induce eosinophils and is a therapeutic target of indomethacin in classic EPF. HPGDS-positive cells were also observed in I-EPF, which may explain the effectiveness of topical indomethacin. Although clinical and histopathological features of I-EPF are different from other variants, the arachidonic acid pathway could be involved in eosinophil infiltration, not only in classic EPF but also in I-EPF.

Infantile Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis in a Child Aged 7 Years: A Case Report

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is a rare, chronic, itchy, aseptic disease. Although most cases of infantile EPF (I-EPF) are detected in infants, we found that a 7-year-old child with I-EPF, who received treatment with oral azithromycin in combination with topical narrow bound Ultra Violet B light (NB-UVB) irradiation, with no recurrence at follow-up. Our experience with the successful treatment of this patient can provide a reference for more pediatric patients.

Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis of Infancy: A Histologic Assessment of 43 Cases

ABSTRACT

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis of infancy is a sterile, inflammatory dermatosis that mainly affects children younger than 36 months. The underlying physiopathologic mechanism is unclear. Clinical diagnosis is challenging, and a skin biopsy may be necessary. The literature data are sometimes contradictory, and a histologic series of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis of infancy cases has not been previously published.

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis of infancy: A rare diagnosis in children

Remember EPFI as a differential diagnosis in children with a rash on the scalp and no effect of antibiotic treatment.

Infantile Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Infantile eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (I-EPF) is a rare disease characterized by pruritic vesicles and sterile pustules on the erythematous surface of the scalp and facial localization, usually seen in the neonatal period. It is essential to show the presence of dense eosinophils in the diagnosis of pustules. Histopathological examination of the hair follicles by eosinophils infiltration is determined.

AIM

Here, we reported a 5-month-old baby boy diagnosed infantile eosinophilic pustular folliculitis.

PATIENT

A 5-month-old baby boy was consulted to our polyclinic by his family because of pustules on the scalp, face, and neck developing in two week after birth. In dermatological examination, the pustular lesions of 1-2 mm in diameter on the scalp, face, and neck on an erythematous background were determined.

RESULTS

There was no growth in the culture taken from the pustule. In the laboratory tests of the patient; upon detection of eosinophilia in the hemogram. The eosinophil count at the patient's first admission was 1.48 K/μl. (0.05 0.50). Eosinophil count was 0.02 K/μl after treatment. It was decreased. The patient was evaluated for other pustular dermatoses. In the differential diagnosis of the patient; causing bacterial/non-bacterial pustulosis were included. Bacterial culture was negative.

CONCLUSION

Eosinophilic folliculitis defines as a group of papulopustular diseases with unknown etiology characterized histologically by eosinophilic infiltrates. First, Ofuji reported a female patient with recurrent follicular pustules and peripheral eosinophilia as a variant of folliculitis in 1965. Its etiopathogenesis is not clearly known. In the differential diagnosis of EPF includes the other pustular lesions of the newborn such as erythematoxicum neonatarum, transient neonatal pustular dermatosis, infantile acropustulosis, scabies, dermatophytosis, and langerhans cell histiocytosis. Treatment options includes topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamines, systemic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, and dapson.

Transient Cutaneous Alterations of the Newborn

Neonatal cutaneous alterations are common, usually appearing at birth or during the first few days of life. Most of these conditions are physiological, benign, and transient, arising from a combination of immaturity of the newborn skin with environmental factors. Nonetheless, some of them may eventually be a clue to underlying disorders. Physicians should therefore be aware of these clinical manifestations so that parents can be reassured and, when necessary, complementary investigations can be undertaken.

Eosinophilic folliculitis due to wearing protective gear in citizens volunteering for sanitation services during the COVID-19 pandemic - an original epidemiological, clinical, dermoscopic, and laboratory-based study

BACKGROUND

An association between wearing protective gear and eosinophilic folliculitis has not been reported. We aimed to investigate such during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

In three outpatient clinics, we hand-reviewed records of all patients having consulted us during a Study Period (90 days) in the early phase of the pandemic. Our inclusion criteria for Study Subjects were: (i) clear clinical diagnosis, (ii) dermoscopic confirmation, (iii) differential diagnoses excluded, (iv) eosinophilia, (v) protective gear worn during sanitation services, (vi) temporal correlation, (vii) distributional correlation, (viii) physician-assessed association, and (ix) patient-assessed association. Control Periods in the same season were elected.

RESULTS

Twenty-five study subjects fulfilled all inclusion criteria. The incidence was significantly higher than in the control periods (IR: 3.57, 95% CI: 1.79-7.43). Male predominance was significant (P < 0.001). Such for patients in the control periods were insignificant. Study subjects were 21.2 (95% CI: 11.0-31.4) years younger than patients in the control periods. For the study subjects, the distribution of erythematous or skin-colored folliculocentric dome-shaped papules and pustules were all compatible with body parts covered by the gear. Lesional biopsy performed on two patients revealed eosinophilic dermal infiltrates within and around the pilosebaceous units. Polarized dermoscopy revealed folliculitis with peri-/interfollicular vascular proliferation. Lesion onsets were 6.4 (SD: 2.1) days after wearing gear. Remissions were 16.7 (SD: 7.5) days after ceasing to wear gear and treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Wearing protective gear in volunteered sanitizing works could be associated with eosinophilic folliculitis. Owing to the significant temporal and distributional correlations, the association might be causal.

Human Polyomavirus 6 Detected in Cases of Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis

BACKGROUND

Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) have been associated with several cutaneous inflammatory conditions. More investigation is needed to identify further presentations of cutaneous pathology associated with HPyVs. Our aim was to investigate the possible association of skin-tropic HPyVs with folliculitis, particularly eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF).

METHODS

This study included 55 Japanese patients, comprising 13 patients with EPF and 42 patients with suppurative folliculitis. HPyV DNAs were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Expression of viral antigen and geographically related viral genotypes were also assessed.

RESULTS

Human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6) DNA was found in 9 of 13 (69%) patients with EPF, a rate significantly higher than that found in suppurative folliculitis (1/42; 2%). Of the 7 HPyV6 DNA-positive EPF specimens analyzed, 4 were positive for HPyV6 small tumor antigen. All the HPyV6 strains detected in this study were of the Asian/Japanese genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

The predominant detection of HPyV6 DNA and the expression of viral antigen suggest a possible association between HPyV6 infection and EPF in a subset of patients. Worldwide studies are warranted to determine whether Asian/Japanese genotype HPyV6 is associated preferentially with the incidence and pathogenesis of this eosinophil-related skin disease that has an ethnic predilection for the East Asian population.

Eosinophilic Dermatoses: Recognition and Management

Eosinophilic dermatoses encompass a broad spectrum of diseases of different etiologies hallmarked by eosinophilic infiltration of the skin and/or mucous membranes, with or without associated blood eosinophilia. The wide range of dermatological manifestations of this spectrum, including nodules and plaques, pustules, blisters, ulcers, and urticarial lesions, is reflected in a non-univocal classification system. We identified six groups of eosinophilic dermatoses based on the predominant anatomic level of involvement: (1) epidermal; (2) of the dermal-epidermal junction; (3) dermal; (4) of the hypodermis and muscle fascia; (5) of the pilosebaceous unit; and (6) vascular/perivascular. We review clinicopathologic features and management of diseases belonging to each group, particularly: (1) pemphigus herpetiformis and atopic dermatitis as prototypes of the epidermal group; (2) bullous pemphigoid as prototypic eosinophilic dermatosis of the dermal-epidermal junction; (3) eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells syndrome), hypereosinophilic syndromes, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy and chronic spontaneous urticaria as paradigmatic dermal eosinophilic dermatoses; (4) eosinophilic fasciitis as an eosinophilic dermatosis with predominant involvement of the hypodermis and muscle fascia; (5) eosinophilic pustular folliculitis as a model of the pilosebaceous unit involvement; and (6) granuloma faciale, angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, belonging to the vascular/perivascular group.

Rare Vesiculopustular Eruptions of the Neonatal Period

Numerous disorders present with vesiculopustular eruptions in the neonatal period, ranging from benign to life-threatening. Accurate and prompt diagnosis is imperative to avoid unnecessary testing and treatment for benign eruptions, while allowing for adequate treatment of potentially fatal disorders. In this review, we highlight several rare blistering diseases of the newborn. A diagnostic approach is outlined to provide clinicians with a framework for approaching a neonate with vesicles, pustules, or ulcers.

[Acute skin infections and their imitators in children : A photo quiz]

BACKGROUND

Skin infections account for 40% of emergency visits in pediatric dermatology. It is important to promptly recognize skin infections with potential complications and initiate treatment. However some characteristic skin findings may imitate skin infections and are often misdiagnosed.

OBJECTIVES

To illustrate frequent pediatric skin infections and pitfalls in view of imitators and differential diagnoses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A photo quiz is presented with the discussion of a selection of acute pediatric skin infections in comparison to their infectious or noninfectious differential diagnoses.

RESULTS

The following infectious skin conditions and imitators are described and clinical clues for differentiation highlighted: eczema herpeticum and bacterial superinfection of atopic dermatitis; exanthematous hand, foot and mouth disease and varicella infection; erythema chronicum multilocularis and anular urticaria; Gianotti-Crosti syndrome and Gianotti-Crosti-like reaction; bacterial folliculitis of the scalp and kerion celsi and eosinophilic pustular folliculitis of the scalp; cutaneous Leishmaniasis and idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma; allergic and bacterial lymphangitis; bullous impetigo contagiosa and nonaccidental scalding.

CONCLUSIONS

Careful anamnesis and skin examination with attention to the here illustrated differential diagnoses are essential to avoid pitfalls in the evaluation of acute pediatric skin infections.

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis of infancy suppressed with cetirizine

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis of infancy is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent, itchy sterile pustules mainly located on the scalp. Topical agents are mostly effective to suppress the symptoms in the majority of cases. However, systemic agents that are safe for long-term use are required for patients with widespread or resistant lesions. We present a case with eosinophilic pustular folliculitis of infancy whose disease was suppressed with cetirizine but recurred after ceasing the drug.

Histopathology of Cutaneous Inflammatory Disorders in Children

Inflammatory dermatoses encompass a variety of histologic patterns that affect different portions of the skin. In spongiotic, psoriasiform, lichenoid, pityriasiform, and blistering disorders, there are predominately epidermal and junctional activities with variable superficial dermal inflammation. Hypersensitivity reactions can show either epidermal or mostly dermal changes depending on whether the exposure of the exogenous allergen occurs through an external or internal route, respectively. Exceptions include erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, where the etiology is often due to infection or ingested medications, but the histologic features are almost exclusively confined to the epidermis and dermoepidermal junction. Autoimmune disorders are unique in that lesions typically incorporate a mixture of epidermal and dermal inflammatory patterns with periadnexal inflammation, while the vast majority of vasculitis/vasculopathy and alopecia have changes limited to only the vessels and hair follicles, respectively. It is critical to recognize that a relatively limited number of histologic patterns are seen in a large array of clinical entities. Therefore, clinicopathologic correlation and careful examination of histologic details are of the utmost importance when evaluating skin biopsies for inflammatory disorders.

Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne

Because both acne vulgaris and folliculitis can present as inflammatory erythematous papules, pustules or nodules, they are often hard to distinguish. The importance to distinguish between these 2 shall be stressed as their pathogenesis and therapies are different and misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis may lead to improper treatment. We will introduce several special types of folliculitis that should be differentiated from acne to increase our knowledge of the disorders with an acne-like manifestation.

Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis in Children after Stem Cell Transplantation: An Eruption Distinct from Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is a rare cutaneous disorder that typically occurs in three clinical contexts: men, individuals who are immunosuppressed or have human immunodeficiency virus, and infants. A fourth subtype occurring 2 to 3 months after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has recently been described in several adults. We report two cases of EPF arising in children after HSCT. It is important to recognize this form of EPF after HSCT and differentiate it from graft-versus-host disease since it responds readily to topical steroids and appears to have an excellent prognosis.

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: the transition in sex differences and interracial characteristics between 1965 and 2013

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is characterized by a non-infectious infiltration of eosinophils in the hair follicles. It has three variants: (i) classic EPF; (ii) immunosuppression-associated EPF, which herein is subdivided into HIV-associated (IS/HIV) and non-HIV-associated (IS/non-HIV); and (iii) infancy-associated EPF (I-EPF). The rarity of EPF has hindered our understanding of this entity. To examine the characteristics of EPF, with respect to age, sex, race, and chronology, published in case reports to date, we queried PubMed using the following terms: ("eosinophilic pustular folliculitis" [All Fields] OR "eosinophilic folliculitis" [All Fields]) AND ("1965/1/1" [PDAT]: "2013/12/31" [PDAT]). Additional Japanese cases were collected from Igaku Chuo Zasshi through Ichushi-Web, JDream III, and secondhand quotations from domestic periodicals published in Japan. Proceedings were excluded. The PubMed search produced 275 citations containing 358 cases of EPF (224 men, 132 women, and two of unspecified sex); these cases involved classic EPF (101 Japanese and 81 non-Japanese), IS/HIV (4 Japanese and 85 non-Japanese), IS/non-HIV (4 Japanese and 20 non-Japanese), and I-EPF (4 Japanese and 59 non-Japanese). Ichushi generated an additional 148 citations containing 207 cases of Japanese (148 men and 59 women), which included cases of classic EPF (181 cases), IS/HIV (14 cases), IS/non-HIV (9 cases), and I-EPF (3 cases). There was no sex difference in the classic EPF cases reported between 2003 and 2013, whereas IS/HIV, IS/non-HIV, and I-EPF were predominated by men. There is room for reconsideration of sex differences, particularly with regard to classic EPF. The rarity and specificity of I-EPF in Japan may reflect a state of uncertainty about this entity.

Widespread eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in a nonimmunocompromised patient

OBJECTIVE

We present a case of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis, a rare dermatosis which is often associated with HIV infection or internal malignancies.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION

We report the case of a 66-year-old man with a medical history of hypertension. Histopathological examination showed a dense follicular inflammatory infiltrate with abundant eosinophils. The clinical response to indomethacin was excellent with no recurrence during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The patient responded well to indomethacin treatment.

Patient characteristics of neonatal eosinophilic pustulosis

A 10-week old preterm infant boy presented with a pustular eruption of the face and blood eosinophilia. Histology demonstrated eosinophils without predominant follicular involvement. The lesions healed without intervention within 2 months. The presentation was consistent with neonatal eosinophilic pustulosis. We discuss the similarities between cases described in the literature and suggest that this entity affects a unique patient population of preterm infants.