Atrophoderma Vermiculata (Folliculitis Ulerythema Reticulata) – Complete Information

Atrophoderma Vermiculata or Folliculitis Ulerythema Reticulata is a rare form of keratosis pilaris characterized by follicular keratotic papules slowly progressing to characteristic ”honeycomb” atrophy (scar) on the cheeks, preauricular area, and forehead. Additional features include facial redness, milia, and follicular plugs.

Sometimes, the condition may affect the upper lip, ears, or limbs.

Atrophoderma Vermiculata is mainly diagnosed in children and adolescents.

Atrophoderma Vermiculata is caused by a change in the genetic material (DNA). Genetics, hormonal changes, puberty, and pregnancy are some other causes.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce Atrophoderma Vermiculata. The following can be useful to minimize the follicular scale.

• Cleansers: use a cleanser that is gentle and free from parabens, sulfates, and alcohol.

• Chemical exfoliation: you can use chemical exfoliating moisturizers (AHA/BHA/Urea) to help remove the surface follicular scale. Urea is perfect for the face.

• Moisturizers: use a normal moisturizer along with the chemical exfoliating moisturizer.

• Use oils: add oils like jojoba oil and squalane to your moisturizer to reduce redness and moisturize the area.

• Aloe vera: applying aloe vera on the face can help calm inflammation and redness.

• Sunscreen: sunscreen is a must when dealing with Atrophoderma Vermiculata as the sun could worsen it. Mineral sunscreens would be better for Atrophoderma Vermiculata.

• Topical retinoids: retinoids like retinol, tretinoin, and isotretinoin should work.

• Hormonal imbalances: try to regulate your hormones and check if there are any changes in Atrophoderma Vermiculata.

• Lasers: lasers are another treatment that can help with scarring on the cheeks. Pulse dye laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) can help with the redness temporarily but it tends to recur. Microdermabrasion can help with roughness.

• Wear sunscreen: as the sun can worsen Atrophoderma Vermiculata, wear sunscreen everyday. SPF 50+ is good.

• Try using Niacinamide or azelaic acid: using niacinamide or azelaic acid could help reduce redness.

Morning routine:

1. Cleanser
2. Apply aloe vera gel, niacinamide, or azelaic acid
3. Use a chemical exfoliating moisturizer or a normal moisturizer, and
4. Then finish it off with sunscreen

Night routine:

1. Cleanser
2. Apply aloe vera gel or retinol
3. Use a chemical exfoliating moisturizer or a normal moisturizer, and
4. Finish it off with a few drops of jojoba oil+squalene oil.

Note: if you’re using tretinoin, you won’t need a chemical exfoliating moisturizer. Just use a normal moisturizer along with oils.

• Vanicream Cleanser

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

• Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Eucerin 5% Urea Repair Cream for Face

• Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

• Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer

• Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

• EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46