Juvenile colloid milium associated with conjunctival and gingival involvement

Yellow papules and plaques on the face of a young girl

“…Histology typically demonstrates fissured eosinophilic colloid masses in the dermis. 3,5 The aetiology is unknown. The adult form is associated with a history of sun exposure and is attributed to actinic degeneration of elastic fibres.…”

“…1 The juvenile form starts before puberty. 1,5 Treatment options include dermabrasion, diathermy and cryotherapy. [1][2][3][4][5][6] In all cases, including ours, the lesions are clustered on the nose, upper lip and cheeks.…”

“…Juvenile colloid milium is rare and has only been reported previously in 14 cases. [1][2][3][4][5][6] In all cases, including ours, the lesions are clustered on the nose, upper lip and cheeks. Unlike our patient, some of the other cases reported had a relative with the condition, suggesting that there may be a genetic component predisposing to the disease.…”

“…The juvenile form may also be associated with eye (ligneous conjunctivitis) and oral involvement (gingival deposits). 3,5 The aetiology is unknown. It is suggested to involve a hereditary predisposition to sun-induced keratinocyte damage because of the association with sun exposure, familial tendency and the characteristic findings on immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy.…”

“…1,2 On electron microscopy examination, structures resembling desmosomes, gap junctions and nuclear remnants are sometimes seen, along with the islands of colloid, implying hat perhaps the colloid is cellular in origin, perhaps from keratinocytes. 1,5 Treatment options include dermabrasion, diathermy and cryotherapy. 3 Apart from a trial of topical tretinoin, which may have helped slightly, our patient has decided not to undergo resurfacing by chemical peel or light carbon dioxide laser.…”