Traumatic Anserine Folliculosis: A Case Report
December 2025
in “
Cureus
”
TLDR Avoiding friction and using topical treatments can significantly improve rough skin caused by repeated rubbing.
Traumatic anserine folliculosis (TAF) is a rare dermatological condition caused by repeated friction, leading to rough, sandpaper-like follicular papules, primarily affecting adolescents and young adults. This case report describes a young male with hyperpigmented papules on his cheek due to resting it on his palm. Diagnosis is clinical, based on friction history and lesion characteristics, distinguishing it from similar conditions. Treatment with topical retinoids, keratolytics, and friction avoidance resulted in significant improvement after nine months. Early identification and management, including patient education and trauma elimination, generally lead to excellent outcomes.