Acquired perforating disease: report of nine cases.

Background: A study of nine Guatemalan patients with acquired perforating disease associated with chronic renal failure, diagnosed at the Guatemalan Social Security Institute, General Hospital, during the period of January 1990 to March 1993, is presented (Table 1).

Methods: A dermatological examination and skin biopsy were done on all patients.

Results: Six of the patients were men and three were women; one case was associated with diabetes mellitus. Three of the patients were diagnosed as Kyrle-like acquired perforating disease, and the other six as perforating folliculitis. The lesions were predominantly located in the lower extremities with hyperkeratotic papules and nodules; some of these were accompanied by pruritus and Koebner's phenomenon.

Conclusion: The acquired perforating disease is a clinical cutaneous manifestation of chronic renal failure with or without treatment. The lesions can disappear spontaneously with stabilization of the renal damage.