Efficacy of topical tacrolimus for the treatment of persistent pruritus ani in patients with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND

Pruritus ani (PA) is defined as intense chronic itching affecting perianal skin.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the efficacy of topical tacrolimus treatment in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients who have PA.

METHODS

The study included 32 patients with AD who were suffering PA. Patients were randomized into two groups. In total, 16 patients used 0.03% tacrolimus ointment and 16 patients used vaseline as placebo. All groups applied topical treatments to their perianal area twice daily for 4 weeks. The treatments were then reversed for 4 weeks after a 2 weeks wash out period.

RESULTS

In total, 32 patients with AD who had refractory anal itching were enrolled in this study. None of the patients had obtained successful results with previous treatments. There was a statistically significant decrease in the recorded EASI, DLQI and itching scores for the tacrolimus group compared to the placebo group at weeks 4 and 6 of treatment (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Topical tacrolimus treatment was well tolerated and effective in controlling persistent PA in AD patients.