Traumatic Anserine Folliculosis: A Cause of Facial Follicular Papules

Traumatic anserine folliculosis (TAF) is characterized by grouped follicular papules on the face, often in young individuals, resulting from repetitive friction or pressure. The condition was diagnosed in three children: a 12-year-old boy with facial asymmetry and scaly erythema, a 7-year-old boy with a hyperpigmented chin patch and a habit of resting his chin on his knee, and another boy with papules on his cheek from leaning on his hand. Histological examination typically reveals hyperkeratosis, rudimentary hair follicles, and keratin-filled follicular openings. Diagnosis is aided by the presence of these clinical features and a history indicative of repetitive pressure. Treatment involves correcting the postural habits causing the trauma and may include topical keratolytic agents and retinoids, which showed improvement in the cases presented.