title: Topical tacrolimus induced extensive varicella zoster infection.
abstract: Tacrolimus ointment 0.1 percent is a well-established topical therapy for treating atopic dermatitis. Efficacy and safety have been described in several trials. Here, we present a patient with rapid onset of extensive varicella zoster infection in tacrolimus-treated skin: a side effect that has only occasionally been reported. Early recognition is important because rapid treatment for herpes zoster may lead to less frequent post-herpetic neuralgia and serious complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Maxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Bovenschen
authors.forename: C P M
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Groeneveld-Haenen
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005672:Fusidic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D014633:Valine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D009824:Ointments; D005672:Fusidic Acid; D014633:Valine; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D016559:Tacrolimus; D000212:Acyclovir