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Chronic actinic dermatitis treated with mycophenolate mofetil.
M A Thomson1, D G Stewart, H M Lewis
1Department of Dermatology, Selly Oak Hospital, University of Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, B29 6JD, UK. michelle.thomson@uhcw.nhs.uk
The British Journal of Dermatology
|April 21, 2005
Summary
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) offers a promising treatment for chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD), a persistent skin condition. This therapy effectively improved symptoms and cleared lesions in two refractory patients with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunosuppressive Therapy
Background:
- Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is a persistent photodermatosis often affecting elderly men.
- Conventional treatments frequently lead to significant side effects and disease refractoriness.
Observation:
- Two male patients with refractory CAD presented with eczematous eruptions on sun-exposed skin.
- Phototesting indicated a markedly reduced minimal erythema dose (MED).
- Both patients had failed multiple conventional therapies over at least six years.
Findings:
- Treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) resulted in significant symptom improvement within six weeks.
- Complete clearing of eczematous lesions was observed.
- Patients tolerated MMF well, with no adverse effects on blood counts or liver function.
- MMF allowed for reduced or intermittent treatment regimens, improving quality of life.
Implications:
- Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) represents a viable alternative treatment for patients with refractory chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD).
- This immunosuppressive agent demonstrates efficacy and good tolerability in managing severe photodermatoses.
- Further research into MMF for CAD is warranted to establish optimal dosing and long-term outcomes.