Granular Parakeratosis in an HIV-Infected Patient Exposed to Benzalkonium Chloride: A Case Report

Granular parakeratosis (GP) is a rare dermatosis characterized by intertriginous erythematosquamous lesions and parchment-like desquamation, often linked to benzalkonium chloride exposure. We report a 32-year-old male with well-controlled HIV who developed pruritic plaques in the groin and thighs, progressing to pustules and erosions. Diagnosis was confirmed histologically as GP with concurrent Candida albicans infection. The cutaneous lesions resolved completely following an 8-day course of intravenous compound glycyrrhizin (60 mL once daily) combined with cessation of benzalkonium chloride exposure. This article describes the first documented case of HIV-associated GP and details its distinctive clinical features and therapeutic approach.