Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CARP) of Gougerot and Carteaud is a rare chronic disease with exacerbation and remissions typically affecting young people. Classic clinical characteristics include asymptomatic scaly hyperpigmented macules, patches, and papules in the trunk's confluent and reticular pattern.

A 12-year-old girl, otherwise healthy, presented with itchy, persistent skin lesions all over her body for one year. Skin examination revealed generalized scaly brownish patches, thin papules, and plaques all over her body, including her face, neck, middle of the chest, abdomen, back, upper extremities, elbows, lower extremities, and knees. Wood's lamp examination of her skin lesions was unrevealing. Skin biopsy showed papillomatosis, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and hypergranulosis. The dermis showed perivascular inflammatory cellular infiltrate. Based on the above clinicopathological findings, the patient was diagnosed with CARP. In our case, a generalized form was reported. CARP is diagnosed based on clinical and histopathological features. Oral antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment. Our patient responded well to oral minocycline 85 mg one tablet daily, tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice daily, and selenium sulfide shampoo twice weekly for two months.

The classic clinical characteristics of CARP include asymptomatic scaly hyperpigmented macules, patches, and papules in a confluent and reticular pattern on the trunk. A generalized form, as in our case, has been reported. CARP is diagnosed based on clinical and histopathological features. Oral antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment.