Intractable skin disorders treated with the aromatic retinoid etretinate (Tigason). Two and a half years' experience in the Transvaal.

A trial of etretinate (Tigason) for keratinizing disorders of the skin yielded prolonged improvements beyond any results hitherto obtained. The disorders included psoriasis of severe degree, keratosis obturans, ichthyosis vulgaris, follicular ichthyosis, porokeratosis of Nékam, disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis. Darier's disease, palmoplantar keratoderma, Oudtshoorn disease, lamellar ichthyosis, 'badpak' ichthyosis, epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, the 'half-baby' syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, hair dystrophy and selected precancerous conditions. A method of management which worked well under local conditions is outlined.