Tacrolimus ointment 0.1% in the treatment of allergic contact eyelid  dermatitis.
BACKGROUND
Tacrolimus inhibits T-lymphocyte activation and dermal Langerhans' cells, without the side-effects of corticosteroids. The safety profile of tacrolimus makes it a promising therapeutic option for dermatitis affecting the delicate periorbital skin.


OBJECTIVE
To access the efficacy and tolerability of tacrolimus ointment 0.1% in the treatment of allergic contact eyelid dermatitis.


METHODS
Twenty adults (16 women, 4 men) with eyelid dermatitis and with at least one positive patch test reaction to relevant contact allergens were treated with topical tacrolimus in a prospective, open-label, non-comparative clinical study. Dermatitis was graded at baseline, at day 30 and day 60, using a 4-point grading system for the following parameters: erythema, oedema, scaling, lichenification, fissuring (investigator assessment) and burning/stinging and pruritus (patient assessment).


RESULTS
All patients completed the study. Erythema, oedema, scaling and lichenification showed improvement from baseline to 30 days of treatment ( P < 0.001), but fissuring was not significantly affected. At 60 days, no further improvement of these investigator parameters was observed. Patient parameters improved significantly by day 30 ( P < 0.004) and there was a trend for further improvement at the end of 60 days (for burning, P = 0.046; for pruritus, P = 0.059). Ten per cent of patients mentioned burning and itching, at the application site, during the first days of treatment. No other adverse events were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical tacrolimus is a promising alternative in patients with allergic contact eyelid dermatitis. Therapy was effective by 1 month and was well tolerated. These preliminary results merit a larger, controlled, study.
Katsarou
A
A
Department of Dermatology, University of Athens, A. Sygros Hospital, Athens, Greece. alkats.duoa@yahoo.gr
Armenaka
M
M
Vosynioti
V
V
Lagogianni
E
E
Kalogeromitros
D
D
Katsambas
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus