title: Pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of intertriginous psoriasis: a double-blind, randomized study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Inverse psoriasis can be difficult to treat because of the high sensitivity of intertriginous areas to cutaneous side effects, such as irritation and striae. Pimecrolimus, a well-tolerated, nonatrophogenic, skin-selective inflammatory cytokine inhibitor, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis when applied topically under occlusion.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus cream 1% versus vehicle twice a day in the treatment of inverse psoriasis. Methods This was a double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled study in 57 patients with moderate to severe inverse psoriasis. Patients were evaluated using Investigator's Global Assessment of overall severity, Target Area Score, and Patient Self-Assessment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant between-group difference was observed early on, with 54% of the pimecrolimus group versus 21% of the vehicle group having an Investigator's Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear) at week 2 ( P = .0169). By week 8, 71% of the pimecrolimus group had an Investigator's Global Assessment score of 0 or 1. Change from baseline in Target Area Score was -2.4 (pimecrolimus group) compared with -0.7 (vehicle) at day 3 ( P < .0001). By week 8, 82% of patients using pimecrolimus scored their disease as well or completely controlled versus 41% of the vehicle group ( P = .0007). Adverse events were similar between groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pimecrolimus cream 1% is an effective treatment for inverse psoriasis with a rapid onset of action, and is safe and well-tolerated.
authors.affiliation: Mt Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Carin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gribetz
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lebwohl
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pariser
authors.forename: Zoe
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Draelos
authors.forename: Alice B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Gottlieb
authors.forename: Nardo
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zaias
authors.forename: Diana M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Parneix-Spake
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hultsch
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Menter
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D009824:Ointments; C117268:pimecrolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus