|
 |
| THROUGH THE LENS |
|
| Year : 2014 | Volume
: 5
| Issue : 6 | Page : 132-133 |
|
|
Trichostasis spinulosa: An overlooked entity
Kikkeri Narayanasetty Naveen, Suraj R Shetty
Department of Dermatology, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
| Date of Web Publication | 5-Dec-2014 |
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Kikkeri Narayanasetty Naveen
Department of Dermatology, No 10, Skin OPD, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad - 580 009, Karnataka
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/2229-5178.146195
How to cite this article:
Naveen KN, Shetty SR. Trichostasis spinulosa: An overlooked entity. Indian Dermatol Online J 2014;5, Suppl S2:132-3 |
A 50-year-old female visited our department for the treatment of rosacea. Dermatological examination revealed erythematous papules and plaques over both cheeks. Black macules were found on the nose [Figure 1], but the patient was not worried about the lesions. Dermoscopic (×25 and ×60) examination revealed that the black macules were vellus hairs [Figure 2]. The hairs were plucked and observed under dermascope which showed multiple vellus hairs bundled in a funnel-like structure [Figure 3]. The above findings were suggestive of trichostasis spinulosa (TS). Patient refused treatment for the lesions. | Figure 3: Plucked hairs observed under dermascope (×25 and ×60) showing multiple vellus hairs bundled in a funnel-like structure
Click here to view |
TS is a very common but unrecognized disorder of pilosebaceous unit. It is a midfacial disease that occurs in younger age in female patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III or higher. It may also occur in light-skinned older people with excessive ultraviolet-exposure. [1],[2]
TS was first recognized by the German dermatologist Felix Franke in 1901, who named it "Pinselhaar" (paintbrush hair). In 1913, Noble first coined the term "trichostasis spinulosa." [1] The exact etiology of this disease is not known. Abnormal angulation of the hair follicle may lead to the entrapment of vellus hairs. Follicular hyperkeratosis of a dilated vellus hair follicle leading to retention of successive telogen hairs is another explanation. Number of retained hairs may range from 5 to 60. [1],[2]
TS occurs sporadically, but many trigger factors have been identified. These include topical minoxidal, topical steroids, chronic renal failure, dust, oils, ultraviolet light, heat, and irritants. [1],[2]
Two variants of TS have been described: Nonpruritic type, which is classical and often seen in the elderly as asymptomatic blackhead-like lesions located on the face. The other variant is the pruritic type, characterized by multiple pinhead-sized papules on the trunk and upper extremities in young adults. [3] The present case is a classical type with the involvement of nose.
Various modalities of treatment are tried with variable results which includes emollients, hydroactive adhesive tapes, local keratolytics, local and oral retinoids. [1] Repeated peeling with capryloyl salicylic acid has given good result. [2]
Herein we present a classical case of TS to increase the awareness of this common disease.
 References | |  |
| 1. | Gutte RM. Itchy black hair bristles on back. Int J Trichology 2012;4:285-6.  [ PUBMED] |
| 2. | Wollina U. Trichostasis spinulosa-successful treatment by repeated peeling with capryloyl salicylic acid. J Clin Exp Dermatol Res 2012;3:2. |
| 3. | Strobos MA, Jonkman MF. Trichostasis spinulosa: Itchy follicular papules in young adults. Int J Dermatol 2002;41:643-6. |
[Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3]
|
