Peripilar Keratin Casts (Pseudo Nits) and Psoriasis

Med. J. Aunt., 1974, 1: 218-219. This rarely reported condition has been found in nine girls, whose case histories are described. The five previous reports of this condition are discussed, together with previously postulated theories of causation. Psoriasis has not been noted in any of the cases previously reported, but was present in seven (and probably eight) of the cases reported here. It is submitted that psoriasis is one of the specific causes of this benign condition. The main importance of peripilar keratin casts is that they may be mistaken for the nits of pediculosis capitis, and this may result in unnecessary anxiety and treatment.