Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis: response to minocycline.

BACKGROUND: Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CRP) of Gougerot and Carteaud is an uncommon disorder of unknown cause for which a variety of treatments have been proposed.

OBJECTIVE: We attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of oral minocycline.

METHODS: Nine patients with CRP were treated with oral minocycline, 50 mg twice a day, for 6 weeks. The average follow-up period was 11 months. Recurrence rate, side effects, and effectiveness of therapy were assessed.

RESULTS: All patients except two had a 90% to 100% response to therapy. Recurrences were noted in three patients, all of whom responded to re-treatment with minocycline. None of the nine patients had an adverse reaction.

CONCLUSION: Minocycline, 50 mg twice a day, is safe and effective for CRP.