Successful treatment of diffuse normolipemic plane xanthoma with probucol

We report on a 70-year-old woman with diffuse normolipemic plane xanthoma (DNPX) who developed macular yellowish patches on the eyelids, both cheeks, and the nose. Histology revealed the accumulation of CD68-positive foam cells and Touton giant cells in the superficial dermis. Plasma lipid levels were within normal limits. The patient had no underlying hematological diseases. Her extensive lesions precluded surgical excision. The patient was given oral probucol instead, which resulted in a significant reduction of the lesions after 2 weeks. The lesions almost disappeared within 8 months. Plane xanthoma is primarily treated with excisional or abrasive therapies; however, probucol can be a safe and effective alternative therapy for DNPX.