Trichostasis spinulosa
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Synopsis

Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a common disorder of follicular hyperkeratosis and associated entrapped multiple tiny vellus hairs.
Although demographics have not been widely studied, it is proposed that this condition affects mostly adults and is relatively rare in children. The condition is proposed to affect men and women in equal ratios and is more common in individuals with dark skin phototypes (Fitzpatrick III or higher). The pathogenesis of TS is unclear.
The most common location cited is the nose; however, TS can be found other places such as on the cheeks, back, anterior trunk, and axillae. TS is usually asymptomatic and therefore is largely considered a cosmetic issue. A pruritic variant exists and is proposed to be more common in younger adult females.
Without treatment, TS will persist and may progressively cover a more extensive area.
Although demographics have not been widely studied, it is proposed that this condition affects mostly adults and is relatively rare in children. The condition is proposed to affect men and women in equal ratios and is more common in individuals with dark skin phototypes (Fitzpatrick III or higher). The pathogenesis of TS is unclear.
The most common location cited is the nose; however, TS can be found other places such as on the cheeks, back, anterior trunk, and axillae. TS is usually asymptomatic and therefore is largely considered a cosmetic issue. A pruritic variant exists and is proposed to be more common in younger adult females.
Without treatment, TS will persist and may progressively cover a more extensive area.
Codes
ICD10CM:
L73.8 – Other specified follicular disorders
SNOMEDCT:
21049007 – Trichostasis spinulosa
L73.8 – Other specified follicular disorders
SNOMEDCT:
21049007 – Trichostasis spinulosa
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Open comedones of acne
- Keratosis pilaris
- Eruptive vellus hair cysts – Presents in children and young adults with multiple white-yellow smooth papules on the abdomen or chest wall.
- Favre and Racouchot disease
- Dowling-Degos disease
- Lichen spinulosus
- Phrynoderma
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
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References
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Last Reviewed:02/08/2018
Last Updated:04/08/2018
Last Updated:04/08/2018