Ann Dermatol.  2009 Aug;21(3):285-287. 10.5021/ad.2009.21.3.285.

Successful Treatment of Recalcitrant Primary Follicular Mucinosis with Indomethacin and Low-dose Intralesional Interferon Alpha

• Kim KR
• Lee JY
• Kim MK
• Yoon TY

• KMID: 2266292
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2009.21.3.285

Abstract

Follicular mucinosis (FM) is an epithelial reaction pattern that is characterized by the accumulation of mucinous material in the epithelial hair follicle sheath and the sebaceous glands. Although various pharmacological agents have been employed in an attempt to treat FM, effective therapeutic options have remained elusive. We experienced a recalcitrant form of primary FM that we successfully treated with indomethacin and low-dose intralesional interferon alpha (IFN alpha), respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the primary type of FM that responded to indomethacin and low-dose IFN alpha, respectively, in a single case has not been reported in the English medical literature.

Keyword

Follicular mucinosis; Indomethacin; Interferon alpha

MeSH Terms

Hair Follicle
Indomethacin
Interferon-alpha
Interferons
Mucinosis, Follicular
Mucins
Sebaceous Glands
Indomethacin
Interferon-alpha
Interferons
Mucins

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) A slightly indurated, edematous, and erythematous to brownish plaque on the right cheek. (B) Complete healing after indomethacin and IFN α treatment.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Degeneration of the pilosebaceous unit with formation of cystic spaces and inflammation (H&E stain, ×100). (B) An inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and many eosinophils is present around and within the sebaceous gland epithelium (H&E stain, ×200). (C) Positive staining with alcian blue pH 2.5 (original magnification ×200).

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