A Case of Multiple Trichoepitheliomas Associated with Alopecia Areata and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
April 2016
in “
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
”
TLDR Autoimmune conditions can be linked to trichoepitheliomas, with treatment focusing on cosmetic concerns.
The document described a case of a 45-year-old female with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus who developed alopecia areata universalis, which resolved almost completely after intravenous corticosteroid therapy, except for the eyelashes and eyebrows. Concurrently, she developed multiple trichoepitheliomas on her face, confirmed by biopsies showing palisading basaloid cells with dense fibrous stroma. These benign tumors, which can resemble basal cell carcinoma, were only surgically removed if they were aesthetically concerning to the patient. The case highlighted the association between autoimmune conditions and trichoepitheliomas, with treatment primarily focused on cosmetic outcomes.