title: Efficacy of topical tacrolimus for treating the malar rash of systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: The rash of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is usually treated with topical corticosteroids, but prolonged use causes adverse cutaneous side-effects. We assessed the efficacy of topical tacrolimus for treating the skin lesions of SLE. Three patients with SLE affecting their facial skin applied 0.1% tacrolimus ointment on one side of their face twice daily for 3 weeks, in conjunction with a sunscreen cream. After 3 weeks, erythema on the treated side was ameliorated in all three patients compared with the untreated side. Although the study is preliminary, the results demonstrate that topical tacrolimus may be useful for treating the malar rash of SLE.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Kagoshima University Faculty of Medicine, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan. takurok@m2.kufm.kagoshima-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kanekura
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yoshii
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Terasaki
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Miyoshi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kanzaki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005076:Exanthema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus