Pimecrolimus 1% cream in the treatment of facial psoriasis: a 16-week open-label study.

BACKGROUND

Facial psoriasis requires a treatment approach other than topical corticosteroids which bear the risk of skin atrophy. Topical pimecrolimus has been shown to be effective in atopic eczema and recently in psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this open-label single-center investigator-initiated study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus 1% cream in patients with facial psoriasis.

METHODS

20 adults with facial psoriasis were enrolled. Pimecrolimus 1% cream was applied twice daily to psoriatic lesions of the face over an 8-week period. An 8-week follow-up was added.

RESULTS

All clinical parameters showed a significant improvement after 8 and 16 weeks compared to baseline. Pimecrolimus 1% cream was effective and well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first clinical study with a larger patient cohort reporting a relevant therapeutic effect and favorable safety profile of pimecrolimus 1% cream in facial psoriasis.