Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis

Abstract

We present the case of an American adult patient with eosinophilic pustular folliculitis. The majority of previously reported patients have been Japanese. Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis is a rare condition characterized by recurrent, peripherally expanding, sterile papulopustules and plaques. Hair-bearing areas such as the face, chest, back, and extensor surfaces of the upper arms are usually involved, although palms and soles can be affected as well. Histologic examination shows subcorneal and intrafollicular abscesses and spongiosis of the outer root sheath. The eosinophil is a prominent infiltrating cell, although mononuclear cells and neutrophils may also be seen. There is often a dense perivascular infiltrate of eosinophils in the dermis. Our patient was unusual in that he did not respond to multiple therapeutic regimens.