Topical Tacrolimus In Atopic Dermatitis : A Placebo Controlled Study With 15 Children

Abstract

Fifteen children aged 3 to 15 (mean 8.92) years with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) of 6 months to 5 years (mean 2.5 years) duration were treated with 0.1% topical tacrolimus ointment. Tacrolimus ointment was applied on 3 patches of 3 x 3 cm, twice daily for 2 weeks. An equal number of age and sex matched controls were treated with sunflower oil application on eczema lesions. There was significant reduction of severity scores (P < 0.05) after tacrolimus treatment as compared to sunflower oil application in all 15 children. Three children experienced mild and transient burning, erythema and pruritus over the lesions. Topical tacrolimus (0.1%) was found to be effective and safe in the treatment of moderate to severe AD in children.