BACKGROUND: Pseudoverrucous papules and nodules were originally described as a reaction to irritation in association with urostomies. These changes have not been described as occurring on the perianal skin or around colostomies. OBSERVATIONS: Five children had remarkably similar-appearing papules and nodules of the perianal and suprapubic skin. The rash consisted of more than a dozen 2- to 8-mm shiny, smooth, red, moist, flat-topped, round lesions. This peculiar and striking reaction appears to be the result of encopresis or urinary incontinence. Biopsy specimens reveal reactive acanthosis or psoriasiform spongiotic dermatitis. The lesions regress when the irritating factor is removed. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of this entity is important because pseudoverrucous papules and nodules may mimic more serious dermatoses and unnecessary workup may be initiated. Although this reaction involving perianal skin has not been reported previously, we believe it is not uncommon.
BACKGROUND: Pseudoverrucous papules and nodules were originally described as a reaction to irritation in association with urostomies. These changes have not been described as occurring on the perianal skin or around colostomies. OBSERVATIONS: Five children had remarkably similar-appearing papules and nodules of the perianal and suprapubic skin. The rash consisted of more than a dozen 2- to 8-mm shiny, smooth, red, moist, flat-topped, round lesions. This peculiar and striking reaction appears to be the result of encopresis or urinary incontinence. Biopsy specimens reveal reactive acanthosis or psoriasiform spongiotic dermatitis. The lesions regress when the irritating factor is removed. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of this entity is important because pseudoverrucous papules and nodules may mimic more serious dermatoses and unnecessary workup may be initiated. Although this reaction involving perianal skin has not been reported previously, we believe it is not uncommon.