Facial epidermal inclusion cysts are associated with smoking in men: a hospital-based case-control study

Dermatol Surg. 2010 Jun;36(6):894-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2010.01565.x. Epub 2010 May 10.

Abstract

Background: Epidermal inclusion cysts (EICs) are a common cutaneous disorder in adults. The etiology of EICs remains obscure. Our clinical experience suggests that smoking may be a risk factor for the development of EICs. OBJECTIVE To determine whether the number and sites of EICs are related to smoking behavior and quantity.

Methods and materials: We retrospectively surveyed patients pathologically diagnosed with EICs at our hospital. A control group comprised patients who underwent surgical procedures for diagnoses other than EICs. Smoking history was obtained through telephone or clinical interviews.

Results: Three hundred one patients with EICs were identified in our archives: 217 men (mean age 37.1, range 9-77) and 84 women (mean age 41.3, range 9-82). Detailed medical records and smoking history were available for 225 patients. Two hundred twenty-five age- and sex-matched patients were enrolled in the control group. Results showed that a higher percentage of men with facial EICs than of control subjects were smokers (p<.01). No such association was found in women with EICs.

Conclusion: Smoking may contribute to the development of EICs.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Cohort Studies
  • Epidermal Cyst / etiology
  • Epidermal Cyst / pathology*
  • Epidermal Cyst / psychology*
  • Facial Dermatoses / etiology
  • Facial Dermatoses / pathology*
  • Facial Dermatoses / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Distribution
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Smoking / epidemiology*
  • Smoking / pathology
  • Young Adult