Follicular mucinosis associated with early stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: successful treatment with interferon alpha-2b and acitretin

BACKGROUND: Follicular mucinosis (FM) is a rare dermatosis characterized by mucin deposits in the pilosebaceous units. It is divided into a primary-be nign type and a secondary type associated mostly with lymphomas. No standar d effective therapy is available for the primary FM while in the secondary form treatment is aimed against the underlying disease. METHODS: We report a case of secondary FM in which a cutaneous T-cell lymph oma was detected 6 years after the initial eruption. RESULTS: Complete remission was achieved with combination therapy of interf eron alpha-2b at a dose of 6 million U subcutaneously three times a week, a nd acitretin 35 mg/day, for 6 months. CONCLUSION: Regular clinical and histopathological evaluation is suggested for all patients with FM. For cases associated with cutaneous T-cell lympho ma the combination of interferon alpha and acitretin seems to be a good the rapeutical approach.