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Case Reports
. 2023 Mar 2:6:e41245.
doi: 10.2196/41245.

Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis Resembling Pityriasis Versicolor and Acanthosis Nigricans: Case Report

Abhinav David #  1 , Divyanshu Srivastava #  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis Resembling Pityriasis Versicolor and Acanthosis Nigricans: Case Report

Abhinav David et al. JMIR Dermatol. .

Abstract

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CARP) is a rare disorder mostly seen in young adults. It is characterized by persistent dull-brown, centrally confluent, peripherally reticulate macules and papules, which coalesce to form patches and plaques on the upper trunk and neck. It is commonly confused with pityriasis versicolor and acanthosis nigricans (AN). We report the case of a 15-year-old male with multiple pigmented confluent and reticulated patches and plaques on the neck, trunk, and chin for 3 years, which was successfully treated with oral minocycline, resulting in complete resolution of lesions within 2 weeks. The morphology of CARP resembles that of various other dermatological conditions such as AN and pityriasis versicolor, and, as a result, it is frequently misdiagnosed and mistreated, leading to social embarrassment for the patient. Therefore, it is prudent for dermatologists to carry out comprehensive clinical and histopathological assessments to facilitate prompt diagnosis and management of this condition.

Keywords: CARP; acanthosis nigricans; confluent and reticulated papillomatosis; minocycline; pityriasis versicolor.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Multiple hyperpigmented macules, which are confluent at the center and reticulate at the periphery, involving the (A) chest and (C) upper back. A hyperpigmented and verrucous lesion with a reticular pattern over the (B) nape of the neck and (D) chin.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Histopathological assessment. (A) Skin section under low power (10× magnification) showing hyperkeratosis and acanthosis nigricans with low papillomatosis. The papillary dermis shows sparse perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. (B) Few fungal spores are seen in the stratum corneum under high power (40× magnification).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Complete resolution of all lesions post 14 days of treatment with oral minocycline on the (A) chest, (B) back, (C) nape of the neck, and (D) chin.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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