Tretinoin-induced sticky skin: a case report and review of the literature.
Sticky skin has been reported relatively infrequently in the literature in association with etretinate and doxorubicin/ketoconazole administration. It has a poorly understood pathogenesis, and the associated histologic changes have not been described. We report a case of a patient who experienced sticky skin in areas treated with tretinoin. These reverted to normal after cessation of treatment. In comparison to a biopsy taken while the skin was not sticky, the histologic findings included a thickened, compact stratum corneum and granulosum. The basal epithelial cells showed proliferation with slight crowding and a tall, columnar shape. To our knowledge, this is the first report of sticky skin occurring in response to topical retinoid application. We suggest that the histologic changes observed could represent a modified keratin maturation profile.
Lockridge
J
J
Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA.
Ramos-Caro
F A
FA
Holloway
K
K
Mullins
D
D
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D013909:Thorax; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D014212:Tretinoin