An open-label study of the safety and efficacy of limited application of fluticasone propionate ointment, 0.005%, in patients with atopic dermatitis of the face and intertriginous areas.
BACKGROUND
The treatment options for facial and intertriginous skin are limited because these sites are more susceptible to corticosteroid-induced atrophy. The long-term management of these corticosteroid-sensitive sites requires the use of dosing regimens that are effective, but also safe.


METHODS
The affected areas in 21 patients with atopic dermatitis were treated twice daily for 2 weeks, and then once daily for two consecutive days each week for eight more weeks.


RESULTS
After 2 weeks, treatment success occurred in 95% of facial and intertriginous lesions and also in 95% of nonfacial, nonintertriginous lesions. During long-term therapy, treatment success was maintained in > 76% of facial and intertriginous lesions, and > 76% of other lesions. Recurrence rates were low, and skin atrophy and telangiectasia did not occur.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with atopic dermatitis of facial and intertriginous areas were successfully treated with a limited application of fluticasone propionate ointment, 0.005%. The treatment resulted in rapid healing and provided efficacy with a low rate of recurrence and no evidence of skin atrophy or telangiectasia over 8 weeks.
Tan
Mei-Heng
MH
Department of Dermatology, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University, New York, USA.
Meador
Stacie L
SL
Singer
Giselle
G
Lebwohl
Mark G
MG
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D000068298:Fluticasone; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000730:Androstadienes; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009824:Ointments; D000068298:Fluticasone