Elastosis Perforans Serpignosa: Treatment with Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS) is a rare skin disease in which abnormal elastic tissue fibers, other connective tissue elements, and cellular debris are expelled from the papillary dermis via transepithelial elimination. It is characterized by an eruption of small grouped hyperkeratotic papules in a serpiginous arrangement. This condition presents a therapeutic challenge as many treatments have been reported with inconsistent efficacy. This article reports a case of a 13-year-old male who presented to our outpatient clinic with a 1-year history of facial lesions showing multiple annular keratotic plaques with slight central atrophy. We report a case of EPS treated successfully with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy. Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is well tolerated, with few side effects, and can be considered in the management of EPS.