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Pentoxifylline in dermatology
Author(s) -
Balazic Eliza,
Axler Eden,
Konisky Hailey,
Khanna Urmi,
Kobets Kseniya
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1111/jocd.15445
Subject(s) - pentoxifylline , medicine , dermatology , granuloma annulare , alopecia areata , tolerability , dapsone , morphea , adverse effect , lichen sclerosus
Background Pentoxifylline was initially marketed for use in patients with intermittent claudication due to chronic occlusive arterial disease of the extremities but has since been shown to have several off‐label uses in dermatology. Aims The aim of this review is to increase awareness of the several applications of pentoxifylline in the field of dermatology. Methods A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted in May 2022 using the following phrases “dermatology” AND “pentoxifylline.” Our search period spanned 34 years from 1988 to 2022. All available literature was reviewed. Reference lists of identified articles were included. Studies were excluded if they were not in English and if the study was out of scope. Eighty‐one articles were included in this review. Results Pentoxifylline has been used to treat various dermatological conditions including peripheral vascular disease, vasculitis and vasculopathies, chilblains, pigmented purpuric dermatosis, granuloma annulare, necrobiosis, keloids, lichen sclerosis et atrophicus, scars, radiation‐induced fibrosis, vitiligo, alopecia areata, leishmaniasis, and leprosy. Conclusions Pentoxifylline's use in dermatology is growing. However, there are limited larger studies and randomized control trials on the use of pentoxifylline in dermatology and more investigation is needed to evaluate its use for many dermatologic conditions. Pentoxifylline's unique mechanism of action as well as its good tolerability, cost‐effectiveness, and minimal drug interactions make it a convenient primary or adjunctive option in many dermatological conditions.