Nail improvement during alitretinoin treatment: three case reports and review of the literature

Abstract

Alitretinoin is an endogenous vitamin A derivative, 9-cis-retinoic acid. Its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory efficacy results from controlling leukocyte activity and cytokine production in keratinocytes. We describe three patients with severe chronic hand eczema accompanied by nail dystrophy, which was treated with alitretinoin 30 mg. Clinical evaluation at 6 months showed complete or almost complete clearing of the nail lesions. We also briefly review the literature reporting on nail dystrophy and alitretinoin treatment. There is some evidence of the clinical effect of retinoids on nail formation, owing to the presence of retinoid receptors on the nail matrix. Further studies are required to better understand the impact of alitretinoin in nail diseases. Our observation supports alitretinoin as a treatment option in retinoid-responsive dermatoses associated with nail involvement.