Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis: a follow-up of 23 years of use of systemic retinoids

Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis is a form of ichthyosis normally resistant to topical treatments. Female patient monitored since 1978 diagnosed with epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. Clinical examination showed generalized hyperkeratosis and scaling. Given that no other treatments were available at the time, the patient was initially treated with keratolytic, systemic vitamin A and moisturizers, with no improvement. In 1986, with the development of oral retinoids, etretinate was introduced. In 1998 this was replaced by acitretin. The patient is receiving 25 mg/day after 23 years of using oral retinoids. Significant improvement of the condition and patient's quality of life has been noted.