Pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective in asteatotic eczema: results of a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study in 40 patients.
OBJECTIVE
Pimecrolimus cream 1% is an effective treatment for atopic eczema. The aim was to investigate its efficacy in asteatotic eczema, a skin disease similar to atopic eczema and its associated dry skin and itching.


METHODS
Single-centre, randomized, double-blind, vehicle controlled study in 40 patients with asteatotic eczema. Efficacy was assessed by eczema area and severity index (EASI), investigators global assessment (IGA), patient's self-assessment, and pruritus severity.


RESULTS
After 4 weeks of treatment, EASI, the primary efficacy variable, was reduced by 62+/-7% from baseline in patients on pimecrolimus, compared to 21+/-14% in patients on vehicle (P=0.013). With pimecrolimus there was also a better control of pruritus (P=0.042) at week 4 whereas a better control of disease according to self-assessment could only be observed at weeks 2 (P=0.01) and week 3 (P=0.08).


CONCLUSIONS
Pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective in patients with asteatotic eczema.
Schulz
P
P
Department of Dermatology, University Clinics Münster, Münster, Germany.
Bunselmeyer
B
B
Bräutigam
M
M
Luger
T A
TA
D000328:Adult; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004485:Eczema / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; C117268:pimecrolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus