Papular elastorrhexis

Abstract

Papular elastorrhexis (PE) is a rare connective tissue disease, histopathologically characterized as decreased and fragmented elastic fibers in the reticular dermis, with or without change to the collagen bundles. It presents as small, white, nonfollicular papules predominantly scattered over the chest, shoulders, or back, and is most often seen in females of the second decade. Although all reported cases of PE have been asymptomatic, a 21-year-old woman presented with a one-year history of multiple, small skin-colored papules on the back which were associated with an intermittent itching sensation. Histopathologic examination revealed fragmented elastic fibers with focal homogenization of collagen in the reticular dermis. Therefore, we report a rare case of papular elastorrhexis with "pruritus".