Tumor of follicular infundibulum: An unsuspected cause of macular hypopigmentation.

We present three cases of a rare eruptive variant of tumor of follicular infundibulum. Two patients presented with hypopigmented macules. The clinical differential diagnoses considered in these two cases were vitiligo, lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, and idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. In the third case, the lesions were hypopigmented fl at topped maculo-papules diagnosed clinically as verruca plana. In all three cases, the histopathological features of plate like growth of pale keratinocytes connected to the epidermis and peritumoral condensation of elastic fi bers were diagnostic. Although no satisfactory treatment is available, the exclusion of other clinical differential diagnosis particularly vitiligo with its psychosocial implications underscores the importance of skin biopsy.

Argyria an unrecognized cause of cutaneous pigmentation in Indian patients: A case series and review of the literature.

Argyria is an uncommon grey-blue pigmentation of skin and mucous membranes caused by prolonged silver exposure. The impetus behind this review is our experience with cases of generalized argyria resulting from a uniquely Indian socio-cultural practice and belief that it is under reported. Our objective is to increase the awareness for this esoteric entity through a review of the pertinent literature and to highlight clinical and histological features using our four well worked-up cases as examples.