Abstract
Granular parakeratosis (GP) is a rare, idiopathic, and self-limiting cutaneous disorder. It clinically presents as erythematous to brown hyperkeratotic or scaly papules that can coalesce to form plaques. If GP is suspected clinically, histopathological confirmation is adequate for diagnosis. Several treatment modalities were tried with varying success, but none was consistently efficacious.
Given the rarity of GP and the variety in its clinical presentation and management, we report a case of a self-resolving infra-abdominal GP. Our patient is a 47-year-old female who presented with a one-week history of asymptomatic, multiple, linear, horizontal, brown, hyperpigmented scaly papules in the infra-abdominal fold. She had a three-year history of applying almond oil and Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream®. Histopathology showed the retention of basophilic keratohyalin granules within the area of parakeratosis in the stratum corneum, which is consistent with GP. She was discharged on emollients, and on follow-up one month later, her lesions completely resolved.
In conclusion, GP is a rare cutaneous disorder characterized by hyperkeratotic plaques or papules typically on intertriginous areas. The natural history of the disease may vary from spontaneous resolution to a waxing and waning condition. In addition, given how uncommon the disease is and its variable etiologies and course, definite management is yet to be established and a standardized treatment recommendation is lacking.