Presentation of epidermolytic acanthomas as multiple tan papules on the vulva

Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis is a histological reaction pattern seen in a variety of disease processes, including epidermolytic ichthyosis, Vorner's epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, epidermal nevus, and solitary epidermolytic acanthoma. Here we present the case of a 59-year-old woman with multiple asymptomatic papules on her vulva. Clinical differential diagnoses included condyloma acuminata, seborrheic keratoses, bowenoid papulosis, adnexal tumors, and papular acantholytic dyskeratosis. Shave biopsy revealed findings consistent with epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. This case represents an interesting presentation of focally disseminated vulvar epidermolytic acanthomas and highlights the importance of a biopsy in establishing this diagnosis.