Papulpustular dermatoses of the face, clinicopathological spectrum and response to treatment

The papulopustular rash on face may be a feature of several inflammatory skin disorders. Clinical features may provide clue to the etiology whereas microbiological testing and histopathologic examination confirm the diagnosis. In adults, facial papulopustular dermatoses include rosacea, perioral dermatitis, eosinophilic folliculitis, infections and medication induced. Our aim was to study variable causes of papulopustular lesions of the face. We conducted a prospective study which included 60 dermatology outpatient clinic patients of variable age groups whom presented with papulopustular lesions involving the face and review their clinicopathological findings as well as their response to therapy.

Several diseases were reported including rosacea (47%), demodecosis (20%), bacterial folliculitis (13%), drug induced (7%) and periorificial dermatitis (3%). One case of tinea barbae, pityriosporum folliculitis, eosinophilic folliculitis, lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei, Behcet's disease and perforating folliculitis were reported.

In conclusions; Papulopustular dermatoses involving the face are an important problem among dermatology patients with an overlapping in signs and symptoms. Awareness of various causes and their clincopathological features is important for accurate diagnosis and proper management.