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To the Editor.鈥�听
In the August 1978 Archives (114:1193-1196), Bickers et al reported two cases of hydroa vacciniforme that were treated successfully with beta carotene. I report another similar case of an 8-year-old boy seen initially in September 1978 with a four-year history of crusted, ulcerated lesions of the lower lip (Fig 1) and papulovesicular lesions over the sun-exposed areas of the skin, mainly on the forearms. The biopsy specimen of a forearm lesion showed a picture consistent with hydroa vacciniforme. Results of porphyrin studies were normal.The patient was treated with oral beta carotene (60 mg/day), and the lesions disappeared after four weeks of medication. His tolerance to sunlight also improved. The usefulness of the beta carotene was emphasized when there was a relapse and reappearance of the lesions after the first supply of medication was exhausted.In September 1979, when in Aracaju, Brazil, he was exposed to the