Darier disease (DD) is a rare type of inherited keratinizing disorder with no definitive therapeutic approach. 

A new study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology aimed to provide a detailed literature review of all available treatment modalities of Darier disease—both surgical and non-surgical—to compare their efficacies and to propose a novel therapeutic approach.

The present study entailed a complete search of literature for all articles describing different treatments of Darier disease, with no restrictions on patients ages, gender or nationalities – with the use of PubMed. Overall, 68 articles were included – 3 prospective studies, 44 case reports/case series and 21 letters/correspondences/clinical images. 

The findings revealed that retinoids – isotretinoin, tazarotene and adapalene, and fluorouracil were the two most effective topical treatments. Oral retinoids were the most effective oral therapy and were prescribed in cases of generalized Darier disease. While for localized and resistant skin lesions, physical therapies including surgical excision, dermabrasion and CO2 laser ablation were the first-line modalities. 

It was suggested that in every therapeutic approach to Darier disease, consideration of patient comorbidities, disease distribution, severity and treatment accessibility is essential. 

Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. Jan-Feb 2021;87(1):14-21. doi: 10.25259/IJDVL_963_19.