Actinic Superficial Folliculitis in a 29-Year-Old Man

Abstract

Background: Since actinic superficial follicultis was first described in 1985, only three further cases have been published. The characteristics of this disease are monomorphous, superficial, follicular pustules that appear on the back, upper chest, and shoulders annually after the first sun exposure of the year. The lesions resolve on their own within 10 days. Recurrence occurs under similar conditions after a latency period of at least 4 weeks. Methods: A 29-year-old man presented to our clinic with a 5-year history of an intermittent follicular rash. These eruptions occurred on his back and chest only when he was exposed to the sun, with his shirt off. They developed 24 to 36 hours after the first sun exposure of the year and resolved spontaneously after 5 to 7 days. Photographs of the affected area were impressive, with follicular pustules grouped along his left flank. Conclusion: According to our literature search, this is the sixth reported case of actinic superficial folliculitis. This is the first case in which provocative phototesting was done. We review the clinical and pathologic attributes of actinic superficial folliculitis.