title: Use of imiquimod cream 5% in the treatment of localized morphea.
abstract: Fibrosis is characterized by the increased deposition of collagen and other matrix components by fibroblasts. This process occurs as a reaction to inflammation and is mediated by numerous cytokines including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Localized cutaneous scleroderma or morphea is characterized by fibrosis. Current treatment for morphea includes topical, intralesional, or systemic corticosteroids, vitamin D analog (calcitriol and calcipotriol), photochemotherapy, laser therapy, antimalarials, phenytoin, D-penicillamine, and colchicine, all with varying degrees of success. In this case report, imiquimod cream 5% (Aldara), which induces interferon and in turn inhibits TGF-beta, was employed to treat morphea.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, T6G 2G3, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Man
authors.forename: Marlene T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Dytoc
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004304:Dosage Forms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D004304:Dosage Forms; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D000077271:Imiquimod