Assessment of the clinical effect of topical tacalcitol on ichthyoses with retentive hyperkeratosis.

BACKGROUND

Topical tacalcitol (1alpha,24-dihydroxyvitamin D3) has been demonstrated to produce beneficial clinical effects on epidermo-hyperproliferative disorders such as psoriasis and pityriasis rubra pilaris. However, the efficacy of the agent has not been elucidated in retentive hyperkeratotic disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The object of the study was to assess the clinical efficacy of topical tacalcitol against ichthyoses with retentive hyperkeratosis; X-linked ichthyosis (XLI), ichthyosis vulgaris (IV), and acquired ichthyosis (AI).

METHODS

Tacalcitol was topically applied on 9 patients with the retention ichthyoses, using a single-blinded, bilaterally paired approach with right-left comparison of tacalcitol and the base.

RESULTS

Clinical improvement obtained by topical tacalcitol exclusively was not superior to that of the vehicle alone in any of the ichthyotic patients.

CONCLUSION

Topical tacalcitol therapy was ineffective against ichthyoses without epidermal hyperproliferation.