Topical vitamin D3 (tacalcitol) for steroid-resistant prurigo.

A topical vitamin D3 ointment (tacalcitol) was prescribed for patients with long-lasting pruriginous lesions (four with prurigo nodularis and seven with subacute prurigo, four of whom had atopic dermatitis). Seven of 11 cases had not responded to a topical steroid ointment and even to occlusive application of the ointment. Nine of 11 cases showed a significant clinical response to this new regimen within 4 weeks. Epidermal Fc epsilon R1(+) dendritic cells were increased in number in prurigo nodularis and reduced to normal level after the therapy. Topical vitamin D3 ointment might be an alternative therapy for steroid-resistant prurigo.