A case of generalized eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: treatment with JAK inhibitor

J Dermatolog Treat. 2024 Dec;35(1):2331785. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2331785. Epub 2024 Mar 26.

Abstract

Aim: This case study aims to report the efficacy and safety of a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor in the treatment of generalized eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF).

Methods: We present a case of a 16-year-old Chinese patient who had been suffering from EPF for two years and had shown no response to both topical and systemic glucocorticoids. The patient was subsequently treated with oral tofacitinib at a dosage of 5mg daily.

Results: Significant remission of eruption and pruritus was observed in the patient upon treatment with tofacitinib. However, a relapse occurred upon dose reduction. Subsequent switch to the highly selective JAK1 inhibitor upadacitinib resulted in complete recovery, with the patient achieving a symptom-free status after six months.

Conclusions: JAK inhibitors show promise as a potential treatment option for EPF patients who do not respond to traditional therapies.

Keywords: Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis; JAK inhibitor; eosinophilic pustular folliculitis with follicular mucinosis; eosinophilic skin diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Eosinophilia* / drug therapy
  • Folliculitis* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinase Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Janus Kinase Inhibitors

Supplementary concepts

  • Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis