Necrotising infundibular crystalline folliculitis pathology

Necrotising infundibular crystalline folliculitis is characterised clinically by sharply demarcated waxy papules. It is caused by follicular accumulation of a material which is thought to be derived from Malassezia yeasts, bacteria, and/or sebaceous lipids.

Histology of necrotising infundibular crystalline folliculitis

In necrotising infundibular crystalline folliculitis, sections show filamentous deposits, enclosed by parakeratotic columns within partly necrotic follicle ostium (figure 1). There is incidental actinic keratosis in the case illustrated herein. Higher power examination shows crystalline urate-like structures within the filamentous material (figures 2, 3). The material is birefringent with polarised light.

Figure 1 

Figure 2 

Figure 3 

Special studies for necrotising infundibular crystalline folliculitis

None are generally needed. PAS may demonstrate pityrosporum species.

Differential diagnosis of necrotising infundibular crystalline folliculitis pathology

Gout – The distinctive filamentous material resembles gout.