title: [Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides represents a rare variant of the CD4-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma mycosis fungoides. It is characterized by tropism of the lymphocytic infiltrate for hair follicle and other adnexal structures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our patient presented with a 20-year history of pruritic skin lesions, which had been diagnosed as atopic dermatitis. The diagnosis of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides was confirmed by skin biopsy. Since topical therapy was ineffective, systemic therapy was initiated promptly. Treatment with pegylated interferon alpha-2b 25 µg/week led to significant improvement of the skin condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to its polymorphic clinical presentation, folliculotropic mycosis fungoides is diagnosed with delay and in a later stage than classical mycosis fungoides. Thus we recommend an early skin biopsy in patients with therapy-resistant pruritic skin lesions.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Deutschland, jbaratli@ukaachen.de.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Baratli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Balakirski
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Megahed
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b