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Unsuspected Malignant Mimicry From Topical Vitamin E and Micro Spike Roller
Jacob Hauser1, Traeden Wilson2, Chelsea Huang3
1Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA.
Background:
Topical vitamin E is commonly used for its antioxidant properties in a rapidly expanding anti-aging market. Cutaneous reaction to vitamin E is rare and can present a difficult diagnosis.
Methods:
We report a unique case of a 46-year-old female who developed a severe cutaneous inflammatory chin lesion after topical use of vitamin E oil with a micro-spike roller. Clinical examination found a friable and fungating mass which prompted biopsy due to suspected malignancy. Pathology ruled out malignancy and revealed chronic inflammation with xanthogranulomatous-like features.
Results:
The lesion was significantly improved with Kenalog injection treatment over 18 months. A scar excision procedure further enhanced the lesion cosmetically.
Conclusions:
This case highlights the rarity and clinical diversity of vitamin E skin reactions, and their potential to mimic malignancies.
