Successful Treatment of Cutaneous Lesions of Dermatomyositis with Topical Pimecrolimus.
- Author:
Ji Eun KIM
1
;
Myeong Gil JEONG
;
Ha Eun LEE
;
Joo Yeon KO
;
Young Suck RO
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: Dermatomyositis; Pimecrolimus
- MeSH: Calcineurin; Dermatomyositis; Exanthema; Humans; Inflammation; Muscle Weakness; Skin; Tacrolimus
- From:Annals of Dermatology 2011;23(3):348-351
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory process characterized by proximal muscle weakness and cutaneous lesions, such as the Gottron's sign, heliotrope rash, and erythematous photosensitive rash. Administration of systemic agents for the treatment of underlying systemic diseases leads to remission of the cutaneous lesions in many cases. However, cutaneous lesions may remain refractory to treatment. Pimecrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor with combined anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. It has high affinity to the skin and low permeation potential, even in patients with acute skin inflammation and in those undergoing post-topical corticosteroid therapy. We herein report two DM patients whose cutaneous lesions were refractory to conventional treatment but showed dramatic response to topical pimecrolimus. The clinical outcomes suggest that topical pimecrolimus may be a good therapeutic alternative for the management of the cutaneous lesions of DM.
