Case of punctate palmoplantar keratoderma type I treated with combination of low-dose oral acitretin and topical salicylic acid and steroid

Abstract

Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPK) are heterogeneous disorders characterized by abnormal keratinization. Especially, punctate PPK (PPPK), one of the subtypes of hereditary PPK, is a rare punctate keratoderma characterized by tiny "raindrop" keratoses having a tendency to coalesce on the edge of soles, which are exposed to sustained pressure. If typical punctate lesions are confined to the palms and soles and the patient has a family history and late onset, it can be considered as PPPK type I (PPKP1), also called Buschke-Fisher-Brauer disease. The exact etiology of PPPK has not been fully understood. Furthermore, no standardized treatment for PPPK has been established and treatment options are limited. Above all, traditional systemic retinoids have been used in several cases, but dose-related adverse effects are common. Therefore, combination of low-dose systemic retinoids and adjuvant topical therapy can be an alternative treatment option for PPPK. Herein, we report a case of PPKP1 treated with combination of low-dose oral acitretin (10 mg/day) and topical salicylic acid and steroid. Despite low capacity, low-dose acitretin showed excellent regression of the lesions by combined use of topical ointments. The supplementary topical therapy may be useful in reducing the dose of systemic retinoids and preventing potential toxicity.