Hyperkératose épidermolytique génitale (acanthomes épidermolytiques génitaux multiples)

Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis of the genitalia is a rare disease, occurring in middle-aged men and women, but chiefly men. The lesions found on the genital organs may be either single, or, more frequently, multiple, and are described as hyperkeratotic papules, which are also reported under the term multiple epidermolytic acanthomas of the genitalia. The aetiology is unknown; certain authors incriminate a traumatic factor; the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) has been suggested but immunohistochemical studies and molecular biology studies generally reveal no viral DNA. Where lesions cause discomfort to the patient, treatment consists of emollients combined with destruction by cryotherapy or CO2 laser. Imiquimod, calcipotriol, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus have all resulted in regression of lesions.