Hyperkeratosis of nipple and areola

Abstract

Hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola is a rare condition that may occur in association with various forms of ichthyosis or as the result of extension of an epidermal nevus. The nevoid form is extremely rare and appears most commonly in women in their second or third decade of life. It is characterized by verrucous thickening and brownish discoloration of both nipples and areolae. Thirteen cases of this type have been reported. We are describing two additional cases to bring the total to 15 instances.

Treatment of Nevoid Hyperkeratosis of the Nipple and Areola Using a Radiofrequency Surgical Unit

“…Among these, keratolytic medications are the most commonly used treatments 1–6 . In some cases, the insufficiency of these treatments has also been reported 2,5,7,14,15 . Cryotherapy 8,9 and the CO 2 laser 10 are the other treatment modalities for NHNA reviewed in the literature.…”

Nevoid Hyperkeratosis of the Areola in Men: Response to Cryotherapy

“…Histologic changes of the nevoid hyperkeratosis of the areola may resemble either a papillomatous epidermal nevus or acanthosis nigricans showing hyperkeratosis, acanthosis and papillomatosis [7, 8]. …”

“…Vestey and Bunney [12]reported cosmetically satisfactory results with cryotherapy applied in five sessions. Surgical excision [4, 7]of the areolae may be performed if the patient is greatly disturbed by the cosmetic appearance.…”

Pregnancy-Associated Hyperkeratosis of the Nipple

“…Furthermore, the nipple can be affected in pregnancy by diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, 3 and other conditions associated with hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola (HNA), such as acanthosis nigricans, ichthyosis, and Darier disease. 4,5 The idiopathic form of HNA is reported as nevoid HNA. 6 More than 70 cases of HNA have been reported.…”