A case of eruptive keratoacanthoma treated by oral etretinate

Abstract

A 63-year-old woman with eruptive keratoacanthomas on sun-exposed skin is reported. Attempts were made to produce lesions by the application of a tumour homogenate to the scratched skin, followed by UV-B irradiation; this was positive in two out of three sites, but these factors were probably non-specific stimuli. Treatment with oral etretinate led to most of the tumours disappearing within a month. Recurrence was seen on stopping the drug. Recommencement of therapy followed by a maintenance dose of 10 mg on alternate days, has been associated with freedom from the skin lesions.