Tretinoin Tocoferil was Effective in Two Cases of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

　Topical treatment insufficiently controls lupus erythematosus ; therefore, intensive treatments such as immunomodulative drugs are required. Here, we report two cases of intractable discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) , in which treatment with topical tretinoin resolved symptoms. [Case 1] A 49-year-old man with erythema on his face and upper back was introduced to our hospital. He was diagnosed DLE with clinical symptoms and pathological findings. Treatment with topical steroids and tacrolimus was not efficacious. Therefore, we used topical tretinoin tocoferil, which reduced the disease severity and improved symptoms after 1 month. [Case 2] A 51-year-old man with symptoms of DLE on his scalp and face since 1980. He was diagnosed with DLE and Sjögren's syndrome. Systemic diaminodiphenyl sulfone, topical steroids and tacrolimus were not efficacious. After he began working outdoors routinely, his symptoms worsened. After the initiation of topical tretinoin tocoferil, the skin symptoms resolved, and the erosions disappeared.