Topical vitamin A acid under occlusion was used on two cases of Darier's disease. After a period of erythema and scaling, the treated areas converted to normal appearing skin. This local remission lasted several months. Histologic studies showed a reduction in the acantholytic and dyskeratotic process. Topical vitamin A acid is a pharmacologic irritant and its action may be related to the release of enzymes from epidermal lysozymes.