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Skin Appendage Disord 2018 Oct 13;4(4):291-295. Epub 2018 Feb 13.

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Hassan II, Fez, Morocco.

Background: Data about the contribution and the implications of dermoscopy in trichostasis spinulosa (TS) are lacking in the literature.

Objective: To describe dermoscopic features of TS in a large sample of patients and to correlate dermoscopy with clinical characteristics of the patients and therapeutic responses to medical treatments.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted (from October 2015 to June 2016) at the Department of Dermatology of Fez in Morocco. Read More

Eur J Dermatol 2018 Aug;28(4):531-532

Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.

Int J Trichology 2018 Jan-Feb;10(1):21-23

Clear Skin Clinic, Karad, Maharashtra, India.

Context: Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a common but underdiagnosed follicular disorder involving retention of successive telogen hair in the hair follicle. Laser hair removal is a newer treatment modality for TS with promising results.

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of 800 nm diode laser to treat TS in Asian patients. Read More

Am J Dermatopathol 2017 Aug;39(8):e106

Department of Dermatology, Clinical University Hospital of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.

Trichostasis spinulosa is a rarely diagnosed disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, characterized by retention of telogen hairs within the dilated follicles. A hair tuft can be seen protruding from the follicles. We present a case of trichostasis spinulosa associated with intradermal melanocytic nevi, where dermoscopy helps to identify this entity. Read More

Int J Trichology 2016 Apr-Jun;8(2):78-80

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is very common yet unrecognized disorder of the hair follicle. Usually occurring on the mid-face, especially on the nose, TS occurs more commonly in young, adult dark skinned women. Here, we present a case of TS at an unusual site diagnosed on the basis of history, hair mount, dermoscopy, and histopathology. Read More

Rev Iberoam Micol 2016 Oct - Dec;33(4):258-259. Epub 2016 Jul 26.

Unidad de Patología, Hospital de Barbastro, Barbastro, Huesca, España.

Int J Trichology 2016 Jan-Mar;8(1):21-3

Department of Pathology, ESI-PGIMSR and ESIC Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a relatively common but underdiagnosed disorder of the pilosebaceous follicles in which there is follicular hyperkeratosis of a dilated hair follicle with retention of telogen hairs. Clinical presentation of this disorder can be confused with comedogenic acne, keratosis pilaris, eruptive vellus hair cysts, and Favre-Racouchot syndrome. A case of a nonpruritic variant of TS in a 16-year-old boy is reported because of its unusual location as well as presentation in the lower eyelid, giving an appearance of a double eyelid. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2016 Sep 13;55(9):989-94. Epub 2015 Nov 13.

Department of Dermatology, Al-Kuwait University Hospital, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.

Background: Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a common, underdiagnosed cosmetic skin condition.

Objectives: The main objectives of this study were to determine the occurrence of TS relative to age and gender, to analyze its cutaneous distribution, and to investigate any possible familial basis for this condition, its impact on patients, and the types and efficacy of previous treatments.

Methods: All patients presenting to the outpatient dermatology clinic at the study institution and their relatives were examined for the presence of TS and were questioned about family history and previous treatment. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2015 Jul;41(7):867-9

Departments of Radiology and Dermatology, Institute for Diagnostic Imaging and Research of the Skin and Soft Tissues, Clinica Servet, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile Department of Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois.

J Clin Virol 2015 Apr 20;65:76-82. Epub 2015 Feb 20.

Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan. Electronic address:

Background: Trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSV) was identified in, and shown to be the probable cause of, trichodysplasia spinulosa, a rare skin disease. To date, serological analyses have revealed that TSV infection is common among adults in the general population of Europe and Australia. However, there have been no reports of TSV in Asia. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2015 May 5;72(5):890-900. Epub 2015 Mar 5.

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami L. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.

Dermoscopic examination of hair and scalp, also named "trichoscopy," is an essential tool in diagnosis of hair and scalp diseases. Trichoscopy is fast and noninvasive and can be used to evaluate hair disorders in all body areas. Body hair disorders are uncommon, and most publications on their dermoscopic features are limited to case reports or series. Read More

Indian Dermatol Online J 2014 Dec;5(Suppl 2):S132-3

Department of Dermatology, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.

JAMA Dermatol 2014 Nov;150(11):1234-6

Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston.

An Bras Dermatol 2014 Jul-Aug;89(4):685-7

Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that leads to nonscarring hair loss. Black dots, also called comedo-like cadaver hairs, can be found in almost 50% of alopecia areata patients and indicate disease activity. Trichostasis spinulosa is a follicular disorder resulting from the retention of numerous hairs surrounded by a keratinous sheath in dilated follicles. Read More

Eur J Dermatol 2014 May-Jun;24(3):416-7

Başkent University, Department of Dermatology, Ankara, Turkey.

Int J Dermatol 2013 Dec;52(12):1586-8

Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA E-mail:

J Am Acad Dermatol 2013 Nov;69(5):e223-e225

Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dermatology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Int J Trichology 2012 Oct;4(4):273-4

Department of Dermatology, Ankara Occupational Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a common but rarely diagnosed disease. For diagnosis, it's sufficient to see a bundle of vellus hair located in a keratinous sheath microscopically. In order to obtain these vellus hair settled in comedone-like openings, Standard skin surface biopsy (SSSB), a non-invasive method was chosen. Read More

APMIS 2013 Aug 18;121(8):770-82. Epub 2013 Apr 18.

Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.

Trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSPyV) is a new species of the family Polyomaviridae that was discovered in 2010. TSPyV infects humans and is associated with the development of a rare disease called trichodysplasia spinulosa. Trichodysplasia spinulosa is a skin disease of severely immunocompromised hosts characterized by follicular distention and keratotic spine formation especially on the face. Read More

Lasers Med Sci 2011 Nov 13;26(6):825-9. Epub 2011 Aug 13.

Dermatology Unit, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a follicular disorder in which multiple hairs in a keratinous sheath project above the skin surface. Current treatments provide temporary relief and side effects are common. We report the successful treatment of TS in 20 patients using a short-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser. Read More

Int J Trichology 2011 Jan;3(1):44-5

Department of Pathology, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Arch Dermatol 2010 Dec;146(12):1434-5

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2010 Apr 23;24(4):470-3. Epub 2009 Sep 23.

Department of Dermatology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Razi Hospital, Vahdat-Eslami Square, Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Background: Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a common disorder of hair follicle, characterized by spinous plugs. Topical treatments offer temporary relief but permanent removal of the abnormal follicles using hair removal lasers may result in a definite cure.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 755-nm alexandrite laser for the treatment of TS lesions. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2010 Mar 8;24(3):362-3. Epub 2009 Sep 8.

Arch Dermatol 2008 Aug;144(8):1088

Homerton University Hospital, London, England.

Int J Dermatol 2007 Sep;46(9):982-5

Ayza Skin and Research Center, Lalamusa, USA.

J Dermatol 2005 Jul;32(7):611-3

Department of Dermatology and Institute of Basic Medical Science, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Korea.

A forty-eight-year-old man presented with multiple pinhead to rice-sized papules on the face. Histopathologic examination showed a typical syringoma and dilated hair follicles containing several vellus hairs in the middle of a fibrotic stroma. We discuss the possible pathomechanism between these two conditions in the same lesion. Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2006 Jan;31(1):86-8

Department of Dermatology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK.

Trichostasis spinulosa is a relatively common but underdiagnosed disorder of the pilosebaceous follicles in which there is follicular hyperkeratosis of a dilated vellus hair follicle with retention of successive telogen hairs arranged in parallel among keratinaceous material. The condition is apparent as dark follicular plugs in the affected areas, most commonly affecting the face (nose and cheeks) or the trunk (interscapular area in particular). We describe a 33-year-old Indian man who was on haemodialysis for chronic renal failure and who developed unusually widespread trichostasis spinulosa over almost the entire body including the lower limbs over a period of 18 months. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2003 Jan;29(1):85-8

Department of Dermatology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Background: : Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a common follicular disorder that results from the retention of multiple vellus hairs within pilosebaceous follicles. A variety of treatment modalities have been used with variable but largely transient success.

Objectives: : To determine whether a pulsed diode laser irradiation would provide a therapeutic response to TS for a prolonged period. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2002 Oct;41(10):643-6

Department of Dermatology, Groningen University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Trichostasis spinulosa is a common inapparent follicular disorder of retained bundles of vellus hairs. There exist two variants: the classical variant presenting with a non-itching, comedo-like lesion on the face in the elderly, and the pruritic variant presenting with itching, follicular papules located on the limbs in young adults. Here we present the microscopic study of the pruritic variant of trichostasis spinulosa in two patients and provide a review of the literature. Read More

Cutis 2000 Jul;66(1):77-8

Dermatology Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA.

Trichostasis spinulosa is a common skin condition that may be easier to diagnose than to treat. Successful treatment with the use of a hydroactive adhesive "deep cleaning" pad (Biore) is discussed. Read More

J Dermatol 1998 Nov;25(11):697-702

Department of Dermatology, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Korea.

Trichostasis spinulosa (TSS) is a relatively common follicular disorder that can occur on the face and trunk, especially in the interscapular area. Its cause remains unclear. We examined clinically 30 patients with TSS and follicular materials extracted from each patient were examined microscopically. Read More

Arch Dermatol 1997 Dec;133(12):1579, 1582

Indiana University Medical School, Indianapolis, USA.

Pediatr Dermatol 1996 Nov-Dec;13(6):490-2

Department of Dermatology, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889-5600, USA.

Trichostasis spinulosa is a disorder of the pilosebaceous follicles that may simulate acne open comedones. It is a commonly reported cosmetic annoyance in adults but not children. A review of the literature and a case of trichostasis spinulosa in a 13-year-old black girl with a history of onset at 18 months of age are presented. Read More

Int J Dermatol 1994 Dec;33(12):858-9

Department of Dermatology, Soroka Medical Center of Kupat Holim, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.

Cutis 1991 Sep;48(3):211-2

Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario San Carlos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.

A thirty-six-year-old man presented with a melanocytic nevus on his left shoulder. The lesion was excised and histopathologic examination showed an intradermal nevus with several infundibular cysts among the nevus cells. These cysts showed a cyst wall with epidermoid keratinization and a lumen filled by many cross-sectioned hair shafts. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 1987 Sep;17(3):489-92

Laboratory of Dermatopathology, Port Washington, NY 11050.

We studied 13 desmoplastic trichoepitheliomas associated with intradermal nevi. Ten intradermal nevi were found among 76 new cases of desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (13%); three additional examples of the combined malformation were seen in consultation. Clinically, desmoplastic trichoepithelioma associated with an intradermal nevus was typically a small, firm or hard, sometimes annular, nodule on the face, particularly the cheek, of a relatively young woman. Read More

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1987 May-Jun;53(3):183-184

A 40 year old male presented with trichostasis spinulosa on the vertex, which is quite rare. Read More

Int J Dermatol 1985 Nov;24(9):575-80

Trichostasis spinulosa is a common disorder of follicular hyperkeratosis that is often confused clinically with similar disorders, such as keratosis pilaris and eruptive vellus hair cysts. Six patients from the UTMB dermatology clinic who had trichostasis spinulosa are presented. Two of the six also had keratosis pilaris and one had eruptive vellus hair cysts. Read More

Harefuah 1985 Jul;109(1-2):19-20

J Dermatol 1984 Apr;11(2):181-6

J Natl Med Assoc 1982 Jan;74(1):31-3

Usually occurring on the mid-face, especially on the nose, trichostasis spinulosa occurs more commonly in young, adult black women. The lesions of trichostasis spinulosa resemble open comedones (blackheads). It may be treated with tweezing, dipilatory wax, and topical retinoic acid. Read More

J Cutan Pathol 1980 Feb;7(1):32-8

Seborrheic keratoses in five patients were rubbed and biopsied at varying intervals after injury. Microscopic examination revealed acute and chronic patterns of histologic change. Hemorrhage, hyalinization of dermal papillae, and necrosis of epithelial tips were conspicuous early changes. Read More

J Cutan Pathol 1979 Dec;6(6):492-5

In 54 of 325 seborrheic keratoses, trichostasis spinulosa was found within the keratinous cysts and between papillomatous surface keratin, in addition to being present in contiguous hair follicles. Trichostasis in seborrheic keratoses and trichostasis spinulosa are both more frequent in older age groups. Trichostasis spinulosa represents a marker of vellus hair follicles and indicates that some seborrheic keratoses incorporate and may be partially derived from the cells of the infundibular portion of the follicle. Read More

Int J Dermatol 1979 May;18(4):297-300

Hautarzt 1975 Jun;26(6):299-303

Arch Dermatol 1973 Sep;108(3):378-80

Br J Dermatol 1971 Apr;84(4):311-5

Bull Soc Fr Dermatol Syphiligr 1971 ;78(6):584-5

Hautarzt 1969 Aug;20(8):367-9