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Arch Dermatol. 2008;144(11):1509-1514.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Diagnosis: Phrynoderma.

MICROSCOPIC FINDINGS AND CLINICAL COURSE

Findings from the patient's skin biopsy demonstrated distention of the upper follicular ostia with prominent keratotic plugging. The patient's multivitamin supplementation had been recently changed to omit vitamin A. Two-month supplementation increased his serum vitamin A level to 67 µg/dL and resolved his eruption and vision abnormalities.

DISCUSSION

Phrynoderma is classically thought to result from severe vitamin A deficiency,^1-5 although deficiencies in vitamins B⁶ and E⁷ essential fatty acids and severe malnutrition⁸ have also been implicated. Severe vitamin A deficiency may also result in conjunctival and corneal lesions and nyctalopia (night blindness).¹

Phrynoderma is follicular hyperkeratosis mainly located on the extensor surfaces of the extremities^{5, 8} including the elbows, knees,^{1, 7} and thighs,^{1, 6} but also on the buttocks,^{1, 6, 8} shoulders,⁸ face,⁵ or the rest of the body.⁸ It is often accompanied by xerosis^{1, 5} and hyperpigmentation.^{1, 5-6} Histologic traits commonly include hyperkeratosis with prominent keratotic follicular plugging.^{1, 5} Phrynoderma is usually found in persons from South and . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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Arch Dermatol. 2008;144(11):1509-1514.
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