Kyrle Disease

Key Points
Perforating skin condition which typically affects the legs, but may affect the arms, head or neck
Cause is unknown
Initially consists of small, scaly papules which grow into larger nodules, red/brown in color with a keratin plug

Kyrle disease is a perforating skin condition which typically affects the legs, but may also appear on the arms, head or neck. It initially consists of small, scaled papules which grow in to larger nodules which are red/brown in color and have a horny keratin plug at their center. Multiple lesions may grow together to form plaques. Lesions are typically accompanied by severe itching. Lesions may resolve on their own, but new lesions will continue to form without treatment.

The cause of Kyrle disease is unknown. It has been shown in some cases to be an inherited condition, but is often idiopathic. It is more likely to appear in persons with particular systemic conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, renal disease, hepatic abnormalities, and congestive heart failure. It affects both genders, and typically appears around age 30.

Differential Diagnosis (Other conditions with similar appearance)\
Elastosis Perforans Serpiginosum
Lichen Planus
Folliculitis
Perforating Folliculitis
Flegel disease
Perforating periumbilical calcific elastosis
Keratoacanthoma
Prurigo nodularis
Darier disease
Reactive perforating collagenosis
Keratosis pilaris
Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Diagnosis
Key Points
Diagnosis based on characteristic appearance of the affected area
Biopsy and other testing may be performed to confirm diagnosis, detect the presence of associated conditions, and rule out other disorders

Kyrle disease is typically diagnosed based on the characteristic appearance of the affected area. Biopsies and other tests may be performed not only to confirm diagnosis and rule out other, similar appearing conditions, but to detect the presence of associated disorders.

Treatment
Treatment often consists of the treatment of an underlying condition, if one exists
*In cases with no underlying condition, treatment consists of reducing lesions and preventing new lesions from forming
OTC Options: emollient creams, oral antihistamines

Treatment of Kyrle disease often consists of treating the underlying condition associated with it, if one exists. Lesions will resolve quickly once treatment of the associated condition is begun. In cases where no associated condition is present, treatment consists of the improvement of existing lesions and prevention of the formation of new lesions. Therapies which may help include isotretinoin, tretinoin creams, and high doses of vitamin A. emollient creams and oral antihistamines may be utilized to relieve itching associated with the condition.