British Cosmetic Dermatology Group Study on Imiquimod for Xeroderma Pigmentosum
July 2015
in “
British Journal of Dermatology
”
TLDR Imiquimod improved skin pigmentation in most patients with xeroderma pigmentosum and may prevent further skin cancer, but some treatments can have side effects.
In a study by the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group from 2015, 5% Imiquimod (Aldara) was tested on 10 patients with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) and showed that 8 patients had improvement in facial lentigines, with 1 achieving complete clearance. The treatment, which involved three doses per week or daily dosing for 4-6 weeks, also suggested that Imiquimod may prevent further photocarcinogenesis. Additionally, the document reported two cases of adverse reactions to dermatological treatments: one patient developed nail discoloration from topical 5-fluorouracil, and another experienced a granulomatous reaction to eyebrow tattooing. The latter was treated with topical corticosteroids and steroid injections, with better results from the topical treatment. The findings indicate the potential of Imiquimod in treating pigmentation issues and the need for awareness of possible side effects from dermatological treatments.