title: Trichodysplasia Spinulosa in a 7-Year-Old Boy Managed Using Physical Extraction of Keratin Spicules.
abstract: Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) is an uncommon skin disease characterized by a folliculocentric papular eruption and keratin spine formation, classically appearing on the central face and ears. It occurs in immunosuppressed patients and is linked to a viral etiology. Diagnostic tests including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are available for detection of the TS-associated polyomavirus. Effective treatment options include topical cidofovir and oral valganciclovir. We present a case diagnosed using PCR with skin scrapings and treated using physical extraction of the keratin spicules. Significant improvement was noted, suggesting a safe, cost-effective treatment alternative.
authors.affiliation: Billings Clinic Internal Medicine Residency, Billings, Montana.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barton
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
authors.forename: Suing
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lockhart
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sidbury
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Brandling-Bennett
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins; D008297:Male; D027601:Polyomavirus Infections / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*
chemical_list: D007633:Keratins