Persistent actinic epidermolytic hyperkeratosis.
BACKGROUND
Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis is a distinctive histologic change noted in a variety of acquired and congenital dermatoses. Its pathogenesis is unknown. We have observed acquired epidermolytic hyperkeratosis in four Japanese men.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to report four cases of acquired epidermolytic hyperkeratosis induced by sun exposure.


METHODS
Four cases were studied clinically, histopathologically, electron microscopically, and by tissue culture.


RESULTS
Flat, keratotic, slightly elevated, depigmented papules were located on the upper back, shoulders, and anterior aspect of the thighs. They appeared after excessive sun exposure. Depigmented macules coexisted with the pigmented macules. Histologic and ultrastructural examination revealed epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. Thick bundles of tonofilaments, which were also present in the cutaneous lesions, were seen in newly proliferated keratinocytes in cultures taken from depigmented papules.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that acquired epidermolytic hyperkeratosis may be induced by excessive sun exposure. We propose the term persistent actinic epidermolytic hyperkeratosis for these lesions.
Suzuki
H
H
Department of Dermatology, Surugadai Nihon University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Takahashi
H
H
Miyashita
M
M
Takemura
T
T
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D017488:Hyperkeratosis, Epidermolytic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*