Topical tacrolimus in the management of atopic dermatitis in Japan.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, relapsing, severely pruritic, eczematous skin disease. Topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment. However, the adverse effects of steroids on hormonal function are the major obstacle for their use as long-term topical therapy. Topical calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus, not only complement existing treatment options but also overcome some of the drawbacks of topical steroid therapy and fulfill the long-term needs of patients in preventing disease progression. Short- and long-term efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus has been widely recognized and it is also accepted as a first-line treatment for the inflammation of AD. In order to reduce the possible long-term adverse effects, it is important to monitor the clinical dose in daily clinics.
Furue
Masutaka
M
Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. furue@dermatol.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Uchi
Hiroshi
H
Moroi
Yoichi
Y
Ogawa
Sachiko
S
Nakahara
Takeshi
T
Urabe
Kazunori
K