Topical Administration of Vitamin A Acid (Retinoic Acid) in Palmar Keratoses: Callosities, Hyperkeratotic Eczema, Hypertrophic Lichen planus, Pityriasis rubra pilaris

Abstract

20 patients suffering from different palmar keratoses were selected for a trial with retinoic acid under controlled conditions. The results can be summarised as follows: (1) in callosities the skin texture could be controlled by intermittent topical applications of retinoic acid once or twice weekly; (2) in hyperkeratotic eczema retinoic acid proved too irritant; (3) in hypertrophic lichen planus, retinoic acid was very effective and the improvement mostly permanent, and (4) in pityriasis rubra pilaris topically applied retinoic acid was found to be ineffective but the disease could be controlled when the substance was systemically administered. The side effects of such treatment are mentioned.