title: Successful treatment with topical N-acetylcysteine in urea in five children with congenital lamellar ichthyosis.
abstract: We reported the efficacy of topical cutaneous N-acetylcysteine in children with type I lamellar ichthyosis. The drug was applied on predetermined body surface areas two times a day for 6 weeks, followed by a daily maintenance application. During the first 2 weeks of treatment, a significant improvement occurred. After 4 months of maintenance application, a marked overall improvement occurred in all the treated areas. Only two patients showed mild adverse effects such as light burning, pruritus, and irritation. Even though a larger group of patients should be necessary to confirm the data, topical 10% N-acetylcysteine emulsion prepared in urea 5% seems to be a valuable and safe therapeutic option for lamellar ichthyosis in children, with benefit not only for skin lesions but also for ectropion avoiding a surgical procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hospital Español, Mendoza, Argentina. aebassotti@yahoo.com.ar
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bassotti
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Moreno
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Criado
mesh_terms: D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017490:Ichthyosis, Lamellar / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011537:Pruritus / Q000139:chemically induced; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014508:Urea / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D014508:Urea; D000111:Acetylcysteine