Multiple cutaneous osteomas of the face associated with chronic inflammatory acne

• Published in: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Vol. 20; no. 3; pp. 321 - 326
• Main Authors: Thielen, AM, Stucki, L, Braun, RP, Masouyé, I, Germanier, L, Harms, M, Salomon, D, Borradori, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2006
• Subjects: acne; Acne Vulgaris - complications; Acne Vulgaris - diagnosis; Acne Vulgaris - pathology; cutaneous ossification; Diagnosis, Differential; Face - pathology; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Ossification, Heterotopic - complications; Ossification, Heterotopic - diagnosis; Ossification, Heterotopic - diagnostic imaging; Ossification, Heterotopic - pathology; Ossification, Heterotopic - surgery; osteoma cutis; surgery; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; treatment; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 0926-9959; 1468-3083
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01425.x

Multiple miliary osteoma cutis of the face represents a rare and frequently unrecognized complication of chronic inflammatory acne. Their differentiation from microcomedones and macrocomedones may be challenging. The case of a 46‐year‐old Asian woman who suffered from chronic inflammatory acne is described. She had multiple papular lesions of the cheeks that did not respond to various topical and systemic therapies including oral isotretinoin. Light microscopy studies as well as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan investigations demonstrated the presence of multiple osteoma cutis. Needle microincisions followed by mechanical extirpation of the bony formation resulted in a considerable cosmetic improvement of her skin disease. Knowledge of this rare complication of acne is mandatory, as its treatment is different from that of retentional and inflammatory acne and frequently relies on surgical modalities. Our novel technique consisting of needle microincisions with curettage of the lesions is simple and safe, leading to good cosmetic results.