Atopic dermatitis associated with HPV 38 lower leg verrucosis.

We describe a 45-year-old woman with atopic dermatitis who presented with a progressive, papular eruption over her anterior lower legs that began 30 years earlier. Biopsy with polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed lichenified plane warts harboring human papillomavirus 38 DNA. No signs or family history of epidermodysplasia verruciformis existed. Local trauma from shaving, barrier dysfunction, and decreased cell immunity and interferon production associated with atopic dermatitis are likely responsible for this presentation of lower leg verrucosis.