Nevus Comedonicus Medication

  • Author: Rossitza Lazova, MD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 11, 2012
 

Medication Summary

Both topical and oral therapies have been tried. Improvement may occur with the use of topical retinoic acid, salicylic acid, or ammonium lactate lotion. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is not usually recommended because of the long-term treatment requirement, but it may be beneficial in preventing cyst formation.

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Retinoids

Class Summary

Topical retinoids are known to have effects on keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. This is believed to loosen comedones and facilitate extraction.[30, 31]

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Tretinoin topical (Avita, Retin-A)

 

Inhibits microcomedo formation and eliminates lesions present. Makes keratinocytes in sebaceous follicles less adherent and easier to remove. Available as 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1% creams. Available also as 0.01 and 0.025% gels.

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Keratolytic agents

Class Summary

Cause cornified epithelium to swell, soften, macerate, and then desquamate.

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Ammonium lactate lotion (AmLactin, Lac Hydrin)

 

Contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that has keratolytic action, thus facilitating release of comedones. Comes in 12% and 5% strength. The 12% may cause

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Rossitza Lazova, MD  Associate Professor of Dermatology and Pathology, Director of Dermatopathology Residency and Fellowship Program, Yale University School of Medicine; Consulting Pathologist/Dermatopathologist, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut

Rossitza Lazova, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, and International Society of Dermatopathology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Barbara R Reed, MD  Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Service, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; Consulting Staff, Denver Skin Clinic

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Lester F Libow, MD  Dermatopathologist, South Texas Dermatopathology Laboratory

Lester F Libow, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD  Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Elsevier Royalty Other

Additional Contributors

The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous authors Joseph J. Shaffer, MBBS, Vincent A. de Leo, MD, to the development and writing of this article.

References

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