Tranilast/roxithromycin with topical tacrolimus in refractory atopic facial eczema: Case report

One challenge in atopic dermatitis is facial eczema, which requires delicate management because of the sensitive nature of facial skin. This report presents a 30-year-old male patient with facial eczema associated with atopic dermatitis, which could not be cured by conventional treatment, even with the continuation of oral betamethasone. The facial lesions were treated with pediatric 0.03% tacrolimus ointment. The patient was administered 200 mg/day tranilast and 300 mg/day roxithromycin. Within 3 weeks, his eczematous lesions on the face, as well as the severe itching, were completely cured. Addition of this combination therapy may be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating uncontrollable atopic dermatitis, particularly for facial eczema and itching.