A Case of Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis Misdiagnosed as Eczema

Abstract

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is a rare skin disease. The typical skin lesions of classic EPF are localized on the upper limbs’ face, trunk, and extensor surfaces. However, when the skin lesions initially appear on the palms and soles, it is not easy to diagnose as EPF. Here, we report a case of a male patient who presented with erythematous plaques, pustules, and crusted erosions on the hands and feet, which were misdiagnosed as eczema ten years ago. Over ten years, the patient experienced recurrent erythematous patches with bumps and itching on the face, trunk, and extremities after improving the hand and foot lesions. A histopathological biopsy was performed to establish a definitive diagnosis, revealing pustules formed by eosinophilic infiltrates within the hair follicles. The diagnosis was confirmed as eosinophilic pustular folliculitis. The patient was treated with oral indomethacin at a dosage of 75mg/day, resulting in the disappearance of the skin lesions. After a 3-month follow-up, no recurrence was observed.

Keywords:

• eosinophilic pustular folliculitis
• indomethacin

Ethics Statement

The publications of images were included in the patient’s consent for publication of the case. The Hospital Ethics Committees of the Fifth People’s Hospital of Hainan Province approved to publish the case details.

Consent Statement

Informed consent was provided by the patient for publication of the case.

Disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This project is supported by Hainan Province Clinical Medical Center.