Eruptive vellus hair cysts

Dermatol Online J. 2012 Dec 15;18(12):7.

Abstract

Eruptive vellus hair cyst (EVHC), described initially in 1977, is a benign dermatologic condition that is characterized by the sudden appearance of monomorphic, follicular, asymptomatic, small papules in children and young adults. The diagnosis is based on the histopathologic findings of stratified-squamous epithelium with a granular layer that surrounds a cystic space filled with laminated keratin and a variable number of vellus hair cysts. EVHC can be associated with steatocystoma multiplex. A current hypothesis suggests that EVHC originates from a cystic change at the insertion of the pilosebaceous duct. EVHC is primarily treated for cosmesis with retinoids, surgery, and lasers.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Asymptomatic Diseases
  • Epidermal Cyst / pathology*
  • Female
  • Hair Diseases / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Young Adult