A 10-year-old boy presented with asymptomatic roughness over the left cheek since 6 months. He acknowledged resting in a particular position, which led to prolonged localized pressure and friction, while watching television or studying. Examination revealed multiple tiny skin-coloured, discrete but grouped, follicular papules having a sandpaper-like feel (Fig. 1). Considering the site of affection and characteristic history, a diagnosis of traumatic anserine folliculosis was established. He was treated with topical tretinoin cream, and advised to avoid trauma and friction to the area.

Fig. 1 Skin-colored, discrete but grouped, follicular papules over left cheek.

Traumatic anserine folliculosis is an under-recognized condition characterized by multiple, closely set grouped follicular papules affecting the chin, jaws, and neck. This entity should be differentiated from keratosis pilaris (keratinous follicular plugs, usually surrounded by erythema), lichen spinulosus (pruritic symmetric plaques having thorny grouped follicular papules), trichostasis spinulosa (hair tufts through follicle, resembling comedones), and trichodysplasia spinulosa (viral infection in immunocompromised). Treatment includes topical keratolytics and removal of etiological factor.