Hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola: 2 years of remission with low-dose acitretin and topical calcipotriol therapy

Hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola is a rare disorder characterized by verrucous thickening and brown pigmentation of the nipple and areola with unknown etiology. Although it is a generally asymptomatic disorder, cosmetic disfiguring creates a real psychological problem for young women. Moreover, treatment regimens are not satisfactory. Surgical treatment has been suggested as an initial treatment in resistant and recurrent cases because of the relapses seen after medical treatment. We report a case who responded satisfactorily to low-dose acitretin and topical calcipotriol treatment with no relapses during 2 years of follow-up. Among all reported medical treatments and interventional approaches, including surgery, this is the first patient reported with 2 years of remission.