Phrynoderma: a forgotten entity in a developed country.
Phrynoderma is a type of follicular hyperkeratosis attributed to various nutritional deficiencies, most notably vitamin A. We report a case of a 31-year-old mentally-deficient man who was a resident of a voluntary welfare nursing home. He presented with characteristic hyperkeratotic follicular papules on his trunk in a setting of low serum level of vitamin A and malnutrition. Although commonly seen in South and East Asia, it is rarely reported in Singapore. However, there is still a population at risk here--patients with malabsorption and eating disorders, and institutionalised persons. Phrynoderma should, therefore, be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with hyperkeratotic folliculitis, especially when malnutrition is also present.
Chia
M W
MW
Division of Dermatology, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore. chia_min_wee@yahoo.com.sg
Tay
Y K
YK
Liu
T T
TT
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis