Treatment of multiple miliary osteoma cutis of the face with local application of tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid): a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Multiple miliary osteoma cutis of the face represents primary extra-skeletal bone formation that arises within the skin of the face.

METHODS

A 60-year-old woman with multiple miliary osteoma cutis of the face was treated by application of 0.05% tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid) cream nightly.

RESULTS

After 3 months of therapy there were fewer papules and a decrease in size of remaining lesions. In a literature search, it was found that local application of tretinoin was successful and achieved a decrease in the number of papules over the face in all patients with multiple miliary osteoma cutis of the face; however, the length of time to achieve response varied from a few weeks to 6 months.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that local application of tretinoin cream should be considered in the therapy of multiple miliary osteoma cutis of the face, particularly when the lesions are small and superficial.