FOX FORDYCE DISEASE

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From: MHKAY1@aol.com
 

I have a young woman with worsening eruption covering both axillae and
recently the 
groin an nipples. It appears to be F-F Any suggestions as to treatment?

Martin Kay, L.A.

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From: Philip Bekhor <100251.57@compuserve.com>


I had a patient with intensely pruritic Fox-Fordyce limited to one axilla.  She
showed no response to standard topical therapy with steroids or retinoic acid.
Systemic  Isotretinoin was not used.  

On the basis that these lesions may represent milia like blockages of sweat
gland I treated her with fine-wire diathermy as one would treat facial milia
i.e. a single touch,  light diathermy of each individual yellow papule.  She
showed an excellent symptomatic response ( loss of itching) and some improvement
in clinical appearance.  

I am unsure whether this form of therapy would be practical in a case as
extensive as you describe.  I speculated as to whether I would use a single pass
of Silktouch or Ultrapulse CO2 if I had a more extensive case. 

Philip Bekhor MB, BS FACD


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From: drpuritz@li.net (Dr. Elliott Puritz)

Interesting speculation by Phil about removing the apocrine blockade with
laser.  I wonder if Keralyt ( available from some firms supplying
dermatologists in the US ) might not help, along with a glycolic acid peel.
Why does this condition, admittedly rare, mainly involve women?  Would
oral contraceptives help?

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