Topical pimecrolimus 1% cream for resistant seborrheic dermatitis of the face: an open-label study.
BACKGROUND
Treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis are numerous, including both topical and systemic agents (e.g. topical corticosteroids, oral antifungals, and psoralen plus UVA). However, long-term use of topical corticosteroids may lead to adverse effects. Pimecrolimus 1% cream is an effective and well tolerated treatment for seborrheic dermatitis.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the efficacy of pimecrolimus 1% cream for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis lesions resistant to conventional treatments.


METHODS
Sixteen patients with resistant seborrheic dermatitis of the face applied pimecrolimus 1% cream twice daily for 2 weeks. The lesions were assessed clinically and the severity of the signs were assessed using a 4-point score. Additionally, the scores of all affected regions (paranasal, forehead, and eyebrows) were evaluated separately to assess whether different results would be obtained in different regions of the face. Also, patients completed self-assessments on a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at each visit.


RESULTS
Statistically significant reductions in the scores of all parameters were observed at day 7 and day 14 of the study. There were no significant differences between the responses on the three regions of the face. No adverse effects were reported except for temporary pruritus immediately after the application of pimecrolimus 1% cream in one patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the interpretation of efficacy was limited by the open-label, non-controlled study design and the small number of patients, this trial suggests that pimecrolimus 1% cream may be a successful treatment choice for patients with resistant seborrheic dermatitis of the face.
Ozden
Muge Guler
MG
Dermatology Department, Ondokuz Mayis University Faculty of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey. mgulerozden@hotmail.com
Tekin
Nilgun Solak
NS
Ilter
Nilsel
N
Ankarali
Handan
H
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005145:Face / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018401:Sample Size; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; C117268:pimecrolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus