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 extra-skeletal bone formation that arises within the skin of the face. METHODS: A 60-year-old woman with multiple miliary osteoma cutis of the face was treated by application of 0.05% tretinoin (all- trans -retinoic acid) cream 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 local application of tretinoin was successful and achieved a decrease in the number of papules over the face in all patients with multiple miliary osteoma 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 should be considered in the therapy of multiple miliary osteoma cutis of the face, particularly when the lesions are small and superficial.