What is follicular occlusion syndrome?
Follicular occlusion syndrome refers to a group of diseases in which hair follicles become blocked with keratin (scale) and then rupture, resulting in inflammatory skin disease. These conditions commonly coexist. They may be severe and difficult to treat.
Three of these diseases are together known as the follicular occlusion triad.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa)
- Acne conglobata (severe nodulocystic acne)
- Dissecting cellulitis (perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens)
A fourth condition, pilonidal sinus or pilonidal disease, makes up the follicular occlusion tetrad.
Follicular occlusion triad
What causes the follicles to block?
The precise cause or causes of follicular occlusion are unknown. There are genetic, hormonal and environmental influences. Environmental factors may include smoking, obesity, high carbohydrate diet, humidity, and bacteria. The body’s innate immune system is also essential, as a trigger must activate it for any blockage to occur.
The open comedo is a follicle plugged by dead skin cells. Rupture of the follicle wall results in inflammation, ie nodules, ulceration and abscesses — longstanding inflammation results in scarring.
Follicular occlusion tetrad
Hidradenitis suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in which there are painful boil-like lumps and draining sinus tracts (canals) that leave unsightly scars. It affects the armpits, groin, genitals, buttocks and skin under the breasts.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is three times as common in women as in men; it most affects them between puberty and menopause. Follicles are more likely to block up under the influence of hormones, especially the male type (androgens). Levels of androgens may be normal or raised in women with hidradenitis suppurativa. Hidradenitis suppurativa is much more common in smokers than non-smokers and is also more common in the obese compared to those of normal weight.
Treatment involves:
- Various antiseptics and antibiotics
- Retinoids such as acitretin and isotretinoin
- Antiandrogens
- Systemic corticosteroids
- Surgery.
Acne conglobata
Acne conglobata is an uncommon and unpleasant form of nodulocystic acne in which there are interconnecting abscesses and sinuses, which result in unsightly hypertrophic (thick) and atrophic (thin) acne scars. There are groups of large macrocomedones and cysts that are filled with smelly pus.
Treatment involves:
- Prolonged courses of tetracycline antibiotics
- Oral isotretinoin
- Sometimes, systemic corticosteroids.
Dissecting cellulitis
Dissecting cellulitis or folliculitis is also known as perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens. It is a rare and severe form of scalp folliculitis.
Large nodules and cysts accompany smaller follicular papules and pustules, from which purulent material can be expressed. Temporary hair loss over the lesions eventually results in permanent scarring and bald patches.
This condition is very resistant to treatment. The severity may be reduced with:
- Oral isotretinoin
- Antibiotics
- Dapsone
- Injected intralesional or systemic steroids.
Pilonidal sinus
A pilonidal sinus is a dimple – a sinus tract – found at the base of the spine. This cavity fills up with skin cells and hair shafts. A non-inflamed lump like this is known as a pilonidal cyst. If the sinus tract becomes infected, a painful pilonidal abscess may form.
Pilonidal disease is 2–3 times more common in men than women. It is more common in obese people and those with coarse hair.
Treatment may not be needed in mild cases. Antibiotics and surgery are required for chronically inflamed pilonidal disease or abscesses.
Other conditions associated with the follicular occlusion triad
The follicular occlusion triad has also been rarely associated with non-follicular diseases and conditions:
- Dowling-Degos disease
- Pyoderma gangrenosum
- Crohn disease
- Seronegative arthritis
- Acanthosis nigricans due to metabolic syndrome and obesity
- Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome (an ectodermal dysplasia).