Successful treatment with topical N-acetylcysteine in urea in five children with congenital lamellar ichthyosis.

Abstract

We reported the efficacy of topical cutaneous N-acetylcysteine in children with type I lamellar ichthyosis. The drug was applied on predetermined body surface areas two times a day for 6 weeks, followed by a daily maintenance application. During the first 2 weeks of treatment, a significant improvement occurred. After 4 months of maintenance application, a marked overall improvement occurred in all the treated areas. Only two patients showed mild adverse effects such as light burning, pruritus, and irritation. Even though a larger group of patients should be necessary to confirm the data, topical 10% N-acetylcysteine emulsion prepared in urea 5% seems to be a valuable and safe therapeutic option for lamellar ichthyosis in children, with benefit not only for skin lesions but also for ectropion avoiding a surgical procedure.

• Authors: Adriana Bassotti, Silvia Moreno, Elena Criado
• Journal: Pediatric dermatology (Pediatr Dermatol) 2011 Jul-Aug Vol. 28 Issue 4 Pg. 451-5 ISSN: 1525-1470 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21793884 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Urea
• Acetylcysteine

Topics

• Acetylcysteine (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Adolescent
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dermatologic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Ichthyosis, Lamellar (drug therapy)
• Infant
• Male
• Pruritus (chemically induced)
• Treatment Outcome
• Urea (administration & dosage)