Widespread biphasic amyloidosis: response to acitretin

We report a patient who presented with an intensely pruritic rash, with hyperpigmentation of the whole back and multiple hyperpigmented and hyperkeratotic papules over his forearms and lower extremities. Histologically, he showed deposits of amyloid that reacted positively with monoclonal antibodies against cytokeratins. The lesions were resistant to antihistamines and corticosteroids. Treatment with oral acitretin was started and great improvement of the lesion was noted; the patient became asymptomatic. We review the literature on the effect of retinoids in cutaneous amyloidosis.