Keratosis pilaris atrophicans. One heterogeneous disease or a symptom in different clinical entities?

Abstract

IN this issue of theArchives, Baden and Byers 1 describe 21 cases of keratosis pilaris atrophicans (KPA). He considers KPA as one disease entity. 1 However, our opinion differs in view of the arguments presented here. Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a skin symptom associated with different diseases, mostly of ectodermal origin. By definition, keratinous plugs are observed in the follicular orifices surrounded by a variable degree of erythema. When the keratotic papules are followed by atrophy, one speaks of KPA. Atrophy is preceded with or without inflammation. There is much confusion on KP and KPA entities, especially because different overlapping syndromes have been described and many synonyms are used in both dermatologic and genetic literature. 2-4 In this editorial, we present our opinion and arguments on diseases with KPA. KERATOSIS PILARIS ATROPHICANS We distinguish four distinct clinical entities that show KPA. These are keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei (KPAF), atrophoderma