Successful treatment of anogenital lichen sclerosus with topical tacrolimus.
BACKGROUND
Lichen sclerosus of the anogenital area is a chronic inflammatory and fibrosclerotic disease associated with substantial morbidity. Topical ultrapotent corticosteroids are currently the treatment of choice.


METHODS
Three prepubertal girls and 3 adults (2 men, 1 woman) were treated with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment once daily. All patients experienced complete resolution with long-lasting remission for up to 1 year. No major adverse effects were observed, and treatment was well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical tacrolimus is a promising novel agent in the treatment of lichen sclerosus of the anogenital area. A major advantage over topical corticosteroids is the lack of skin atrophy. Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm our findings.
Böhm
Markus
M
Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany. bohmm@uni-muenster.de
Frieling
Uta
U
Luger
Thomas A
TA
Bonsmann
Gisela
G
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D001004:Anus Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018459:Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D010409:Penile Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus