Pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of lichen sclerosus.
BACKGROUND
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, which most commonly causes dysuria, pruritus and soreness of the vulval and perianal areas. Potent topical corticosteroids are used for the treatment of LS, but it is well known that they inhibit collagen synthesis and cause skin atrophy as a side effect.


METHODS
The present pilot study evaluated the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus cream 1% applied twice daily for up to 6 months in 29 women with severe LS.


RESULTS
Of the 26 subjects who completed the follow-up period, 42% (11/26) were in complete remission with relief from itchiness, pain and inflammation. A 3.5-fold increase in type I collagen synthesis and a 7.5-fold increase in type III collagen synthesis of the affected areas was detected after 2 months of pimecrolimus treatment. There were no systemic adverse reactions, although mild local skin reactions were reported by 50% of the patients. Blood concentrations of pimecrolimus were checked in 10/26 patients (39%) and were undetectable in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Patient-applied 1% pimecrolimus cream is safe and effective for the treatment of LS.
Nissi
Ritva
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oulu University Hospital, Finland. ritva.nissi@oulu.fi
Eriksen
Heidi
H
Risteli
Juha
J
Niemimaa
Marko
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018459:Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012074:Remission Induction; D012449:Safety; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D009824:Ointments; C117268:pimecrolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus