Topical tacrolimus therapy of resistant cutaneous lesions in lupus erythematosus: a possible alternative

Objective. To determine the efficacy of tacrolimus ointment 0.1% on resistant cutaneous lesions in patients with lupus erythematosus. Methods. Twelve patients with skin manifestations were studied. Six had discoid lupus (DL), four subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) and two systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). All patients had extensive skin lesions refractory to previous treatment. Patients received topical tacrolimus 0.1% for a minimum of 6 weeks and response was evaluated by physicians’ and patients’ assessment and documented with photographs at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Results. Eleven of 12 patients completed the therapy. One patient with DL discontinued because of side-effects—peeling and a burning sensation. Six patients were clearly improved, one patient had a minor remission of his face lesion while in four the rashes remained the same. Two patients with SCLE had significant regression of their lesions while the other two had no improvement. In DL, two had certain improvement, one minor improvement and two were without response. The patients with SLE had significant amelioration of their extensive photosensitive rash. Conclusion. Tacrolimus ointment 0.1% may be an effective alternative in patients with severe resistant cutaneous manifestations in lupus erythematosus.