Steroid-free pimecrolimus (Elidel) for monotherapy of lichen planus.

Lichen planus (LP) is a disease distinguished by pruitic violaceous planar papules containing reticulated white striae. It can occur just about anywhere, but most commonly occurs in the mouth, genital, and distal extremity areas. The general treatment for LP consists of topical or systemic steroids, although a standard accepted treatment is still to be determined. Pimecrolimus has generated recognition as a topical non-steroidal drug labeled for treatment of atopic dermatitis. The proposed mechanism of action of pimecrolimus is inhibition of cytokine production and proliferation. Cytokine obstruction results in the limitation of T-cell propagation, which is the inciting factor in the pathological process of LP This element may prove be advantageous in the treatment of LP.