Favre-Racouchot syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a common link

Abstract

Introduction and aim. Favre-Racouchot syndrome though mostly reported in Caucasian men (with an estimated prevalence of 6% in adults older than 50 years), cases have been reported in dark-skinned population including Indians, albeit rarely. It is characterized by large open and closed comedones along with epidermal cysts over the nose, cheeks, temples, forehead and periorbital areas. The association of this condition with chronic heavy smoking is what it makes compelling. Description of the case report. We report a case of elderly male, chronic heavy smoker who was diagnosed as a case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as per standard guidelines. He presented with multiple nodulo-cystic lesions and had undergone a skin biopsy. Histomorphology features were consistent with Favre-Racouchot syndrome. Conclusion. Early identification of this skin condition in mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic smokers may help clinicians to forewarn the patients regarding development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).