Treatment with pimecrolimus cream 1% clears irritant dermatitis of the periocular region, face and neck.

BACKGROUND: Irritant dermatitis of the face and neck is particularly prevalent in women > or = 30 years old, who typically present with periocular cutaneous symptoms. Current therapies are limited, indicating a need for rapid, effective alternatives. Pimecrolimus cream 1%, a nonsteroid, cell-selective inhibitor of inflammatory-cytokine release, is effective in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, such as chronic irritant dermatitis of the hands, and thus offers a potential therapeutic option for this indication. This study reports on the safety and efficacy of pimecrolimus treatment in patients with irritant periocular dermatitis, extending to the face and neck in some patients.

METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with periocular irritant dermatitis (extending onto the face and neck in eight) were treated twice daily with pimecrolimus cream 1% for 7 d, followed by once-daily application for a further 7 d. Erythema, swelling, and pruritus were assessed at baseline, weeks 1-4 using a 4-point clinical score (0, absent; 1, mild; 2, moderate; and 3, severe).

RESULTS: All patients showed marked improvement within 2-3 d of treatment with disease clearance in 23 of 27 patients within 14 d. In the remaining four patients, mild relapse occurred at weeks 3-4, but improvement was observed following a further 10-d treatment. Side-effects were mild and transient.

CONCLUSION: Pimecrolimus cream 1% provides a new potential option for treatment of irritant dermatitis of the periocular region, head and neck. Further double-blind, controlled studies are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus cream 1% for this indication.