Inverted follicular keratosis

Inverted Follicular Keratosis is a benign skin lesion that is often mistaken for other types of skin conditions due to its similar appearance. It is a rare type of keratosis, which refers to a growth of keratin on the skin.

Overview

Inverted follicular keratosis was first described by Helwig in 1954. It is a benign skin lesion that is often mistaken for other types of skin conditions due to its similar appearance. The lesion is characterized by an inverted pattern of growth, with the lesion growing into the skin rather than out of it. This is in contrast to most other types of keratosis, which grow outwards.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of inverted follicular keratosis is a single, firm, skin-colored or pink nodule. The nodule is typically less than 1 cm in diameter and is often found on the face, particularly the lip, nose, or cheek. The lesion may be smooth or rough and is often mistaken for a wart or squamous cell carcinoma due to its appearance.

Causes

The exact cause of inverted follicular keratosis is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to damage to the hair follicle, possibly due to sun exposure or trauma. Some researchers believe that the condition may be a variant of seborrheic keratosis, a common skin condition that causes waxy, brown, benign growths on the skin.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of inverted follicular keratosis is typically made through a biopsy of the lesion. Under the microscope, the lesion is characterized by an inverted pattern of growth, with the lesion growing into the skin rather than out of it. The lesion is also characterized by the presence of keratin-filled cysts and a proliferation of squamous cells.

Treatment

Treatment for inverted follicular keratosis typically involves surgical removal of the lesion. This can be done through a variety of methods, including cryotherapy, electrocautery, or excision. In most cases, the lesion does not recur after removal.

See also

• Keratosis
• Seborrheic keratosis
• Squamous cell carcinoma