The efficacy of an aromatic retinoid, Tigason (etretinate), in the treatment of Darier's disease.

Eighteen patients with Darier's disease were treated for at least 3 months with the oral aromatic retinoid Tigason (etretinate, Ro 10-9359). Seventeen of the 18 patients improved but adverse effects were seen in all patients, and were particularly severe in 6. No haematological or biochemical abnormalities were detected during treatment. We conclude that Tigason is an important advance in the treatment of Darier's disease but adverse effects restrict its use in some patients.