Trichostasis spinulosa is a common but rarely diagnosed disorder of the
hair follicles that clinically gives the impression of
blackheads, but the follicles are filled with funnel-shaped, horny plugs that are bundles of
vellus hairs.
[James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology''. (10th ed.). Saunders. .]
Signs and symptoms
Trichostasis spinulosa can appear in several ways, such as open
comedones or elevated follicular spicules, or it can stay invisible. Lesions on the face, cheek, and nose are frequently found in the patients.
Causes
The exact etiology of trichostasis spinulosa is unknown. There have been suggestions for congenital variables such hair follicle dysplasia as well as extrinsic elements like dust, oils, UV light, heat, and
allergens. According to one theory,
hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis is thickening of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis, or skin), often associated with the presence of an abnormal quantity of keratin,Kumar, Vinay; Fausto, Nelso; Abbas, Abul (2004) ''Robbins & Cotran Pathol ...
in the follicular infundibulum causes hair shaft entrapment, which prevents regular hair shedding.
Diagnosis
Standard skin surface biopsy (SSSB) is a noninvasive method used for diagnosis.
,
eruptive vellus hair cysts,
keratosis pilaris, and comedogenic
acne
Acne ( ), also known as ''acne vulgaris'', is a long-term Cutaneous condition, skin condition that occurs when Keratinocyte, dead skin cells and Sebum, oil from the skin clog hair follicles. Typical features of the condition include comedo, ...
are among the conditions that might be identified as differential diagnoses for facial trichostasis spinulosa.
Treatment
Various therapeutic techniques, such as hydroactive adhesive tapes, local
keratolytics, oral and local
retinoids
The retinoids are a class of chemical compounds that are natural derivatives of vitamin A or are chemically related to it. Synthetic retinoids are utilized in cosmetic formulations, clinical dermatology, and the treatment of some forms of cancer ...
, have been tested with varying degrees of success.
Capryloyl
salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is an organic compound with the formula HOC6H4COOH. A colorless (or white), bitter-tasting solid, it is a precursor to and a active metabolite, metabolite of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). It is a plant hormone, and has been lis ...
peelings performed repeatedly have produced positive results.
See also
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List of cutaneous conditions
Many skin conditions affect the human integumentary system—the organ system covering the entire surface of the Human body, body and composed of Human skin, skin, hair, Nail (anatomy), nails, and related muscle and glands. The major function o ...
References
Further reading
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External links
DermNetVisualDx
{{Disorders of skin appendages
Conditions of the skin appendages