Local hypertrichosis associated with a human papillomavirus type 1-induced wart

Abstract

Conflict of interest: None declared. Sir, Various causes for acquired localized hypertrichosis have been described, including application of topical steroids, infections, local trauma, long‐standing inflammatory dermatoses, venous incompetence, and the application of splints and casts.1–3 A 7‐year‐old Japanese girl noted a verrucous papule on her right knee 7 months before the first examination. It was a firm, dark red, circumscribed and elevated papule 8 mm in diameter with a hyperkeratotic surface. The most interesting finding in the case was the hypertrichosis seen alongside of the wart lesion (Fig. 1A). She had noticed the increased hair 3 months before the first examination. She did not complain of any symptoms. She was healthy and physical examination revealed no particular finding other than the skin lesion. The suspected diagnosis of a viral wart with an acquired, local hypertrichosis was made, and after informed consent was obtained, the verrucous papule was removed by scalpel. During the follow‐up period of about 9 months, the hypertrichosis gradually reduced (Fig. 1B) and finally disappeared (Fig. 1C).