Acneiform lesions on the legs

Over a nine-month period, a 24-year-old woman developed an irritable follicular eruption on both lower legs (Figure 1). Examination revealed a series of black comedone-like lesions, scattered inflamed papules, isolated pustules and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Close examination revealed a series of dilated follicular orifices, which were crusted and had associated trapped hairs. The surrounding terminal hairs were orientated obliquely over the skin surface (Figure 2). The patient had used a variety of hair removal methods, including electric shavers, waxes and tweezers. The eruption had shown some improvement with cessation of shaving.