John Libbey Eurotext




Topical tacrolimus in the treatment of localized scleroderma
European Journal of Dermatology. Volume 13, Number 6, 590-2, November - December 2003, Clinical report
Free Article
Author(s) : Giuseppe MANCUSO, Renza Maria BERDONDINI
Summary : Although the cause of localized scleroderma is unknown, an autoimmune mechanism is suspected. We describe two patients with localized scleroderma treated with topical tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive macrolide antibiotic. Topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment applied twice daily under occlusion led to a significant clinical improvement of late sclerotic lesions and complete clearance of early inflammatory skin lesions in 3 months. These were the first cases of successful topical tacrolimus therapy in localized scleroderma and should be regarded as a promising treatment option for LS, especially on account of its high tolerability that permits prolonged use without side‐effects.
Keywords : topical tacrolimus, immunosuppressive drug, localized scleroderma

Topical tacrolimus in the treatment of localized scleroderma