Korean J Dermatol.  2017 Nov;55(9):597-601.

A Case of Combination Treatment with Oral Acitretin and Topical 5% Imiquimod Cream in an Immunosuppressive Patient with Widespread Verruca Plana

• Lim JY
• Kim HS
• Kim JI
• Min JH
• Choi YJ
• Nam JH
• Chae SW
• Lee GY
• Kim WS

Abstract

Verruca plana is a subtype of warts, which are one of the most common dermatological diseases. A 37-year-old man presented with multiple asymptomatic skin-colored, 1∼2-mm, flat-topped papules on both arms, neck, and face. The patient had ulcerative colitis, which had been treated with immunosuppressants for 15 years. After skin biopsy, verruca plana was confirmed. The patient was treated with 5% imiquimod cream for 6 months. However, only mild improvement was observed. Acitretin was then added to the treatment regimen. After 44 weeks of treatment, acitretin was stopped. Dramatic and rapid clinical improvement was achieved after 3 weeks of treatment, and no sign of recurrence after treatment cessation has been reported for 60 weeks. Consequently, the combination of oral acitretin and topical 5% imiquimod cream should be recommended for the effective and safe treatment of recalcitrant verruca plana in immunosuppressed patients.

Keyword

Acitretin; Ulcerative colitis; Verruca plana

MeSH Terms

Acitretin*
Adult
Arm
Biopsy
Colitis, Ulcerative
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents
Neck
Recurrence
Skin
Warts*
Withholding Treatment
Acitretin
Immunosuppressive Agents