Granular parakeratosis in children: case report and review of the literature.

Granular parakeratosis is a cutaneous eruption with erythematous and/or brownish hyperkeratotic papules and plaques which are exclusively localized to intertriginous areas and show histopathologic features of an unusual form of parakeratosis. The etiology is unknown, but the excessive use of various topical preparations (e.g., ointments and deodorants) has been associated with this disease. It has heretofore been reported only in adults. We report two children, ages 3 and 5 months, with characteristic lesions in the groin associated with topical pomades used to prevent diaper rash. This is the first report associating the clinical presentation and the histopathologic diagnosis of granular parakeratosis in children. The literature on this entity is also reviewed and all case reports are summarized.