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Efficacy of topical tacrolimus for treating the malar rash of systemic lupus erythematosus
Author(s) -
Kanekura T.,
Yoshii N.,
Terasaki K.,
Miyoshi H.,
Kanzaki T.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2003.05186.x
Subject(s) - medicine , tacrolimus , dermatology , rash , malar rash , erythema , lupus erythematosus , adverse effect , surgery , immunology , anti nuclear antibody , transplantation , antibody , autoantibody
Summary The rash of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is usually treated with topical corticosteroids, but prolonged use causes adverse cutaneous side‐effects. We assessed the efficacy of topical tacrolimus for treating the skin lesions of SLE. Three patients with SLE affecting their facial skin applied 0·1% tacrolimus ointment on one side of their face twice daily for 3 weeks, in conjunction with a sunscreen cream. After 3 weeks, erythema on the treated side was ameliorated in all three patients compared with the untreated side. Although the study is preliminary, the results demonstrate that topical tacrolimus may be useful for treating the malar rash of SLE.