Calcium dobesilate (Cd) in pigmented purpuric dermatosis (PPD): a pilot evaluation

Pigmented purpuric dermatosis (PPD) is a chronic disorder of unknown etiology. It is quite common, and no therapy is significantly effective. Calcium dobesilate (Cd) has been tried successfully in many vascular disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and efficacy of Cd in PPD. Nine male patients (7 with Schamberg's and 1 each with lichenoid dermatosis of Gougerot and Blum and lichen aureus) were given Cd 500 mg twice daily for two initial weeks and then 500 mg once daily for a total period of three months. All the patients were followed up for one year after cessation of therapy. The improvement was moderate in 11.11% and mild in 66.67% of cases; 22.22% did not show any improvement. New lesions stopped appearing in two weeks in all patients, and itching also improved in symptomatic cases without any significant side effects. Based upon the results of this pilot study we recommend Cd as the first line therapy for PPD.