Efficacy of topical tacrolimus for the treatment of persistent pruritus ani in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Pruritus ani (PA) is defined as intense chronic itching affecting perianal skin.

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to determine the efficacy of topical tacrolimus treatment in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients who have PA.

METHODS:

The study included 32 patients with AD who were suffering PA. Patients were randomized into two groups. In total, 16 patients used 0.03% tacrolimus ointment and 16 patients used vaseline as placebo. All groups applied topical treatments to their perianal area twice daily for 4 weeks. The treatments were then reversed for 4 weeks after a 2 weeks wash out period.

RESULTS:

In total, 32 patients with AD who had refractory anal itching were enrolled in this study. None of the patients had obtained successful results with previous treatments. There was a statistically significant decrease in the recorded EASI, DLQI and itching scores for the tacrolimus group compared to the placebo group at weeks 4 and 6 of treatment (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Topical tacrolimus treatment was well tolerated and effective in controlling persistent PA in AD patients.

• Authors: Haydar Ucak, Betul Demir, Demet Cicek, Selma Bakar Dertlioglu, Zeynep Meltem Akkurt, Derya Ucmak, Nurhan Halisdemir
• Journal: The Journal of dermatological treatment (J Dermatolog Treat) Vol. 24 Issue 6 Pg. 454-7 (Dec 2013) ISSN: 1471-1753 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23638997 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Antipruritics
• Emollients
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Petrolatum
• Tacrolimus

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Antipruritics (administration & dosage)
• Dermatitis, Atopic (complications)
• Emollients (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Petrolatum (administration & dosage)
• Pruritus Ani (drug therapy)
• Tacrolimus (administration & dosage)
• Young Adult