Treating keratosis pilaris

Abstract

To the Editor: Although keratosis pilaris is mainly a cosmetic nuisance, it is often emotionally disturbing and difficult to treat. Urea, lactic acid, topical corticosteroids, topical and systemic retinoids, and other treatments have been used with varying success. Tazaroten selectively transactivates the retinoic acid receptors of the skin. It has a strong antiproliferative effect and modulates keratinocyte differentiation.1 Therefore, tazarotene has been tried in the treatment of several keratinization disorders such as Darier’s disease2 and congenital ichthyoses.3 I tried tazarotene in an open study in the treatment of keratosis pilaris. After they had given informed consent, 20 consecutive patients with keratosis pilaris associated with atopy were instructed to apply an oil-in-water emulsion containing 0.01% tazarotene every evening for the next 4 to 8 weeks. In as soon as 2 weeks, keratosis pilaris gradually faded and resolved after 4 to 8 weeks. Because tazarotene has a low percutaneous absorption and is rapidly metabolized and eliminated,4 it may be beneficial for those with keratosis pilaris. Further, it may also hold promise for the treatment of other disturbing keratinization disorders.