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Living with Familial reactive perforating collagenosis

A rare skin condition that runs in families, with small bumps that come and go on their own.

Understanding Familial reactive perforating collagenosis

Familial reactive perforating collagenosis is a rare skin disease that can be passed down in families.

It causes small bumps or lumps on the skin that can come and go on their own. The bumps are made of collagen fibers pushed out through the skin. It usually starts in childhood.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Red, raised bumps (papules)
  • Thick, rough bumps
  • Skin inflammation
  • Spotty darker skin
  • Itching

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Children's Skin Disease Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
What can help with itching and the bumps?
Is a skin biopsy needed to confirm the diagnosis?
Can genetic testing help my family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startChild
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

Changes in genes cause it. It is autosomal recessive, which means a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

GeneticSkin

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Familial reactive perforating collagenosisGARD ID 13331 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Familial reactive perforating collagenosis.

Explore the Familial reactive perforating collagenosis blog

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Explore actively recruiting Familial reactive perforating collagenosis studies with HealthSpark.

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