Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis Clinical Presentation

Updated: Mar 15, 2023
  • Author: Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: William D James, MD  more...
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Presentation

History

Patients with confluent and reticulated papillomatosis are often asymptomatic, but they may experience mild pruritus. In a study of cases in Japan, 57.1% were asymptomatic, while the rest experienced pruritus. Eight of ten were without symptoms in a Lebanese survey [57] Patients observe reticulated and pigmented macules, patches, and plaques most commonly on the chest. [46]

One expects the following, proposed as diagnostic criteria: (1) scaly brown macules and patches, with some appearing reticulated and papillomatous; (2) involvement of the upper trunk, neck, or flexural areas; (3) negative fungal staining of scales or no response to antifungal treatment; and (4) favorable response to antibiotics. [58]  Spontaneous regression may occur. [59]