Topical praziquantel as a new treatment for perioral dermatitis: results of a randomized vehicle-controlled pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Perioral dermatitis (POD) is a common skin disease, and extending the range of treatments available for this condition is important.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety, efficacy and tolerability of praziquantel 3% ointment as monotherapy.


METHODS
This was a single-centre, randomized, single-blind, vehicle-controlled pilot study in adult patients (n = 46) with 4 weeks of treatment and 4 weeks of follow-up. Efficacy was assessed clinically using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) and the Perioral Dermatitis Severity Index (PODSI). Quality of life (QOL) was determined by the Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI).


RESULTS
PODSI was significantly lower in the praziquantel group than in the placebo (vehicle) group, both during treatment and period. Mean IGA score showed a statistically significant therapeutic advantage of praziquantel over placebo at week 4 (P < 0.001). The praziquantel group experienced a greater improvement in mean DLQI. No serious treatment-related adverse events occurred in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
Praziquantel ointment 3% effectively improves POD symptoms and QOL.
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Zaparozhye Medical State University, Zaparozhye, Ukraine.
M R
MR
Bribeche
V P
VP
Fedotov
A
A
Jillella
V V
VV
Gladichev
D M
DM
Pukhalskaya
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D019557:Dermatitis, Perioral / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011788:Quality of Life; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D055815:Young Adult
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011223:Praziquantel