follicular occlusion tetrad

Abstract

Follicular occlusion tetrad is a symptom complex consisting of four conditions having a similar pathophysiology. It includes Hidradenitis suppurativa, acne conglobata, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp and pilonidal sinus. The exact pathogenesis of this group of disease is unknown but evidence suggests that they share the same pathological process initiated by follicular occlusion in apocrine gland bearing areas. Though each of these conditions is commonly encountered singly, follicular occlusion tetrad as a symptom complex has been rarely reported in the literature.