Skin Rashes Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Rashes, including details on dermatitis, itches, creams, medication, treatment.

A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study of 1% pimecrolimus cream in adult patients with perioral dermatitis.

Schwarz T, Kreiselmaier I, Bieber T, Thaci D, Simon JC, Meurer M, Werfel T, Zuberbier T, Luger TA, Wollenberg A, Bräutigam M

Department of Dermatology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany. tschwarz@dermatology.uni-kiel.de

BACKGROUND: Perioral dermatitis (POD) is a common dermatosis without standard therapy. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate pimecrolimus cream 1% in POD. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study in adult patients with POD treated twice daily with pimecrolimus cream 1% or vehicle until clearance for up to 4 weeks. Follow-up took place 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Patients treated with pimecrolimus had an average POD Severity Index score of 2.6 compared with 3.5 for patients treated with vehicle. Both groups had baseline scores of 5.2. The between-group difference was 0.9 (95% confidence level 0.4, 1.4, P = .0011). Patients with history of topical corticosteroids benefited most. Pimecrolimus-treated patients reported greater improvement in quality of life. There were no group differences regarding safety. LIMITATIONS: Pimecrolimus vehicle is not a true placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Pimecrolimus rapidly improves clinical symptoms and quality of life of patients with POD, being most effective in corticosteroid-induced POD.

Published 23 June 2008 in J Am Acad Dermatol, 59(1): 34-40.
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