[Topical tacrolimus and resistant skin lesions of dermatomyositis].

INTRODUCTION

Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory myopathy associated with an increased risk of mortality due to visceral involvement. Cutaneous involvement has no vital impact but considerably affects the quality of life of the patients and can resist to classical therapies. More treatment options are needed. We report here the case of three patients presenting resistant cutaneous lesions of dermatomyositis successfully treated with topical tacrolimus.

OBSERVATIONS: A dramatic cure of the lesions of the face and the hands and a moderate response of other areas were observed without adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive agent and topical tacrolimus is used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and has been occasionally used to treat skin involvement of some systemic inflammatory diseases. Topical tacrolimus seems to be a good therapeutic alternative for resistant skin lesions of dermatomyositis. It could also be proposed as a first intention therapy because of its good tolerance.