Peroral aromatic retinoid treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis: double-blind comparison of Ro 10-9359 and placebo

Nineteen patients with chronic, recalcitrant palmoplantar pustulosis took either placebo or aromatic retinoid ethyl ester (Ro 10-9359) during a 4-month therapeutic trial. The maximal dose of Ro 10-9359 varied between 25 and 100 mg per day, according to the individual patient's tolerance. An excellent or good therapeutic response was obtained in 6 out of 9 patients on the active medication and in 2 out of 10 patients on placebo. The difference in therapeutic response between the Ro 10-9359 group and the placebo group was statistically significant (p less than 0.05). Drying and chapping of the lips was the most common side effect of Ro 10-9359 treatment.