Topical 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of Darier's disease

Summary Two patients suffering from therapy‐resistant Darier's disease were treated with topical 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FC). The drug was applied in a concentration of 1% in a cream base, once daily, in left‐right comparison with either 7.5% salicylic acid in petrolatum or 0.05% vitamin A acid cream. Both patients were on long‐term treatment with oral retinoids. After 1 week of treatment, a considerable improvement was already apparent on the 5‐FU‐treated side, in comparison with the salicylic acid‐ and vitamin A acid‐treated sides. Subsequent treatment of all skin lesions with 5‐FU for a further 2 weeks resulted in complete clearance of the lesions. Remission periods were of 2‐6 months duration. There were no significant adverse effects of treatment, Haematological parameters remained unchanged during the therapy. Topical 5‐FU is a safe and useful addition to currently available treatments for Darier's disease.