Treatment of multiple miliary osteoma cutis of the face with local application of tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid): a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Multiple miliary osteoma cutis of the face represents primary e xtra-skeletal bone formation that arises within the slain of the face. METHODS: A 60-year-old woman with multiple miliary osteoma cutis of the fac e was treated by application of 0.05% tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid) c ream nightly. RESULTS: After 3 months of therapy there were fewer papules and a decrease in size of remaining lesions. In a literature search, it was found that loc al application of tretinoin was successful and achieved a decrease in the n umber of papules over the face in all patients with multiple miliary osteom a cutis of the face; however, the length of time to achieve response varied from a few weeks to 6 months. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that local application of tretinoin cream shoul d be considered in the therapy of multiple miliary osteoma cutis of the fac e, particularly when the lesions are small and superficial.