Successful treatment of stasis dermatitis with topical tacrolimus.
Stasis dermatitis is a common dermatologic disorder as a consequence of impaired venous drainage and often accompanied by chronic leg ulcers. Until today the standard in acute therapy represents the topical administration of highly potent corticosteroids and if possible a consequent long-term compression therapy. The macrolide tacrolimus represents a new selective inflammatory cytokine release inhibitor by binding to macrophilin-12 and inhibiting calcineurin. Beside the resulting anti-inflammation and immunosuppression an antipruritic effect have been discussed as further clinical benefits of tacrolimus. Here we report for the first time about a 81-year old patient suffering from an ulcus cruris mixtum and stasis dermatitis treated with topical 0.1% tacrolimus ointment twice daily for 5 days. Until now tacrolimus is available for topical treatment as a fatty ointment only. Although we would have preferred a more hydrophilic base for treatment of acute stasis dermatitis we achieved complete healing. As this is only a case report about one single patient further clinical investigations are needed to confirm this observation in more individuals with stasis dermatitis.
Dissemond
J
J
Department of Dermatology, University School of Medicine, Essen, Germany. joachimdissemond@hotmail.com
Knab
J
J
Lehnen
M
M
Franckson
T
T
Goos
M
M
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007868:Leg Dermatoses / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016559:Tacrolimus