An alternative diagnostic method of eruptive vellus hair cysts: Report of a familial case with pruritus

Dermatol Ther. 2020 Jan;33(1):e13147. doi: 10.1111/dth.13147. Epub 2019 Nov 19.

Abstract

Eruptive vellus hair cysts (EVHC) represent a developmental abnormality of vellus hair follicles. Up till now more than 150 cases of EVHC have been published in the literature, but it appears to be more common than recognized. The diagnostic hallmark is the presence of vellus hair shafts within the cystic space. Firstly to evaluate the potential benefit of new diagnostic method of EVHC using a dermatoscope and secondly to report a familial case of EVHC where females were only affected. Five women from the same family with a clinical diagnosis of EVHC were included in the study. The diagnosis of EVHC was confirmed by skin biopsy with histologic examination in four patients. New diagnostic approach of the cyst contents examination with using a handheld dermatoscope was performed in all patients. Numerous vellus hair shafts were detected on the images of the cysts content taken with dermatoscope and applying the above-mentioned method in all patients. We suggest that it seems possible to differentiate EVHC by using the dermatoscope, which appears to be simple, quick, and less time consuming.

Keywords: dermoscopy; diagnosis; eruptive vellus hair cyst.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Cysts / pathology
  • Dermoscopy / methods*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Facial Dermatoses / diagnosis*
  • Facial Dermatoses / pathology
  • Female
  • Hair Follicle / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Pruritus / etiology