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Published on: November 8, 2015
Rosaceiform dermatitis associated with topical tacrolimus treatment
Shoko Fujiwara1, Yukari Okubo, Ryokichi Irisawa
1Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|May 15, 2010
Summary
Topical tacrolimus ointment can cause rosacea-like dermatitis in patients with facial dermatitis. Biopsies revealed characteristic skin changes, suggesting immunomodulators may trigger this condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunodermatology
Background:
- Facial dermatitis is a common condition treated with various topical agents.
- Tacrolimus ointment is a topical calcineurin inhibitor used for inflammatory skin conditions.
Observation:
- Three patients using 0.03% or 0.1% tacrolimus ointment for facial dermatitis developed new skin eruptions.
- These eruptions presented with features resembling rosacea.
Findings:
- Skin biopsies from affected patients showed telangiectasia and noncaseating epithelioid granulomatous inflammation.
- Histopathological findings suggest a potential link between topical tacrolimus and rosaceiform dermatitis.
Implications:
- Continuous topical use of immunomodulators like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus should be considered a potential cause of rosaceiform dermatitis.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and incidence of this adverse effect.
