We report a patient who presented with an intensely pruritic rash, with hyp
erpigmentation of the whole back and multiple hyperpigmented and hyperkerat
otic papules over his forearms and lower extremities. Histologically, he sh
owed deposits of amyloid that reacted positively with monoclonal antibodies
against cytokeratins. The lesions were resistant to antihistamines and cor
ticosteroids. Treatment with oral acitretin was started and great improveme
nt of the lesion was noted: the patient became asymptomatic. We review the
literature on the effect of retinoids in cutaneous amyloidosis.