Successful Treatment of Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis With Calcipotriene and Tretinoin: A Novel Topical Regimen

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology

Abstract

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CARP) is a rare dermatosis of uncertain etiology characterized by scaly, hyperpigmented papules that coalesce into reticulated plaques, typically affecting the upper trunk of adolescents and young adults. While oral minocycline remains the most established treatment, relapse and adverse effects often are limiting factors. We present the case of a 25-year-old male patient with an 18-month history of CARP who experienced initial improvement with oral antibiotics but discontinued systemic therapy due to side effects. The patient was successfully treated with a novel topical regimen of calcipotriene 0.005% cream daily and tretinoin 0.05% cream nightly, achieving complete clearance after 3 months of consistent use without adverse effects. This case supports the role of disordered keratinization in CARP and demonstrates that topical calcipotriene and tretinoin may offer a safe and effective treatment alternative for patients who cannot tolerate or prefer to avoid systemic antibiotics.

Publication Date

9-2025

Keywords

Calcipotriene, confluent and reticulated papillomatosis, keratinization, topical therapy, tretinoin

ISSN

2689-9175

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