Pseudofolliculitis corporis: a new entity diagnosed by dermoscopy

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Dermatopathology

Background:

• Pseudofolliculitis is a common skin condition often affecting hair-bearing areas like the beard, pubic region, and axilla.
• It typically results from hair removal techniques such as shaving or plucking, leading to ingrown hairs.

Observation:

• This report details a novel case of pseudofolliculitis occurring on the back, termed pseudofolliculitis corporis.
• The condition in this patient was attributed to prolonged pressure from using a pillow while driving.

Findings:

• Diagnosis was confirmed using dermoscopy, a non-invasive in-office procedure.
• The patient's condition improved with the cessation of pillow use and a 15-day course of topical adapalene and clindamycin gel.

Implications:

• This case expands the known clinical presentation of pseudofolliculitis to include the back.
• It highlights the importance of considering pressure as a causative factor in pseudofolliculitis.
• Dermoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing this condition in a clinical setting.