Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Porokeratosis ptychotropica (PP) is a rare form of porokeratosis that poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Given the rarity of PP, there is a paucity of evidence about effective treatment options. We present the first case of PP being managed with Grenz therapy (a type of superficial, low radiation radiotherapy). CASE PRESENTATION: Our patient was a 56-year-old female with PP in the intergluteal cleft and on her right posterior thigh. She was previously unsuccessfully treated with topical, intralesional and oral corticosteroids, topical vitamin D analogues, topical simvastatin-cholesterol cream, topical fluorouracil cream, acitretin, and CO(2) laser assisted photodynamic therapy. She underwent Grenz therapy for 6 sessions, a total dose of 18 Gy to all affected areas, with excellent clinical response. After 2 months of remission, her porokeratosis showed early signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of PP being treated with Grenz rays. With no effective treatment, Grenz therapy may present a potential effective treatment for some patients.