Traumatic Anserine Folliculosis: A Case Report With Review of Differential Diagnosis
January 2025
in “
Cureus
”
TLDR Traumatic anserine folliculosis is a harmless skin condition in young males that needs correct diagnosis to avoid unnecessary treatments.
Traumatic anserine folliculosis (TAF) is a benign skin condition seen mainly in male children and adolescents, presenting as grouped, skin-colored follicular papules on the chin, jaw, or neck. While the exact cause is unknown, trauma and androgen influence are suspected. TAF can be mistaken for conditions like closed comedonal acne and keratosis pilaris, but can be distinguished using dermoscopy and histopathology. Treatment usually involves topical retinoids or vitamin D analogs, though relapses are common after stopping treatment. Greater clinician awareness is crucial for proper diagnosis and management, reducing unnecessary procedures.