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Lichen striatus in adults and pimecrolimus: open, off‐label clinical study
Author(s) -
Campanati Anna,
Brandozzi Giuliano,
Giangiacomi Mirella,
Simonetti Oriana,
Marconi Barbara,
Offidani Anna Maria
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2008.03654.x
Subject(s) - pimecrolimus , medicine , dermatology , calcineurin , surgery , transplantation
Background Lichen striatus is a well‐known, acquired, self‐healing, linear inflammatory dermatosis. Lichen striatus occurring in adults tends to be more extensive and itchy than in children, sometimes requiring symptomatic treatment. The therapeutic approach usually adopted is topical steroids, even though prolonged use may lead to several side‐effects, particularly cutaneous atrophy. Objective To report the results of an open, off‐label study on the use of pimecrolimus 1% in the treatment of diffuse, nonresponsive forms of lichen striatus. Methods Three adult patients suffering from relapsing or disseminated and itchy lichen striatus received topical application of pimecrolimus 1% cream (Elidel®, Novartis Pharma, Basle, Switzerland) twice daily for 6 weeks, or until complete disappearance of the cutaneous lesions. Results All patients experienced rapid healing of the dermatosis, without any recurrence for at least 14 months. Conclusion Our preliminary results show that pimecrolimus may represent a useful therapeutic alternative for lichen striatus, although further studies on a larger number of cases are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in the treatment of this condition.