Follicular occlusion disorders in Down syndrome patients

Disorders involving follicular occlusion, such as hidradenitis suppurativa, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, and pilonidal cysts, have shown an increased prevalence in the Down syndrome (DS) population, but there are limited published data examining this association. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 243 DS patients presenting to a pediatric dermatology clinic to further examine the prevalence of disorders of follicular occlusion in DS patients. Our study showed high rates of disorders of follicular occlusion in DS patients, with prevalent disorders including folliculitis (21.0%), keratosis pilaris (17.3%), acne vulgaris (11.1%), hidradenitis suppurativa (7.0%), and furunculosis (4.5%), and overall prevalence of 44.9%. These findings add to a limited but growing body of evidence that documents an increased rate of disorders of follicular occlusion in pediatric DS patients.