title: Topical tacrolimus in the treatment of localized scleroderma.
abstract: Although the cause of localized scleroderma is unknown, an autoimmune mechanism is suspected. We describe two patients with localized scleroderma treated with topical tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive macrolide antibiotic. Topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment applied twice daily under occlusion led to a significant clinical improvement of late sclerotic lesions and complete clearance of early inflammatory skin lesions in 3 months. These were the first cases of successful topical tacrolimus therapy in localized scleroderma and should be regarded as a promising treatment option for LS, especially on account of its high tolerability that permits prolonged use without side-effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Municipal Hospital of Lugo, via Pescantini 33, 48022 Lugo (RA), Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mancuso
authors.forename: Renza Maria
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Berdondini
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus