The bumpy adolescent nose: Acne associated angiofibroma-like nasal papules

Background/Objective Papular scars are a recently described clinical phenotype of acne scarring characterized by papules occurring on the nose and chin. We have observed a similar presentation of nasal papules among patients seen in our clinic for acne and sought to further characterize the clinical and histopathological characteristics of this entity. Methods In this single-site case series, a retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients with nasal papules in association with acne vulgaris between April 2018 and April 2019 was performed. Clinical and histopathologic findings were recorded. Results We identified 20 patients who presented with a similar clinical phenotype of predominantly skin-colored, dome-shaped papules concentrated on the nose and chin in association with a history of more classic facial acne vulgaris. Papular lesions were seen predominately in adolescent Hispanic males. Concomitant acne on other areas of the face was identified in 18 patients at presentation while two patients had a history of adolescent acne. Biopsies were performed for five patients. Histopathologic examination demonstrated features of fibrosis and dilated thin-walled blood vessels, typical of angiofibromas. Conclusion We present a series of adolescent patients with large, flesh-colored to erythematous papules seen predominantly on the nose. These lesions are histologically indistinguishable from angiofibromas and may represent an under-recognized yet disfiguring sequela of acne that may disproportionately affect adolescents with skin of color.

Automated summary

This study identified a novel clinical phenotype called nasal papules, which are skin-colored dome-shaped papules concentrated on the nose and chin, potentially an under-recognized sequelae of acne disproportionately affecting adolescents with skin of color. Histopathologically, these lesions are indistinguishable from angiofibromas, indicating a need for further research and awareness of this condition.