Tacrolimus in Solution as an Option to Inflammatory Conditions of the Scalp

April 2023 in “ Dermatology practical & conceptual ”

Camila Scharf, Gaetano Licata, Giulia Briatico, Sebastiano Pellerone, Giuseppe Argenziano, Caterina Mariarosaria Giorgio

tacrolimus lichen planus pilaris discoid lupus frontal fibrosing alopecia erosive pustulosis of the scalp folliculitis decalvans topical tacrolimus solution Protopic

TLDR Tacrolimus solution is effective and well-tolerated for treating inflammatory scalp conditions.

A case series involving 22 patients (aged 24-90) with various inflammatory scalp conditions (lichen planus pilaris, discoid lupus, frontal fibrosing alopecia, erosive pustulosis of the scalp, and folliculitis decalvans) demonstrated that topical tacrolimus solution (0.1%) applied twice daily for 1 month, then once daily for another month, and on alternate days for 4 months, was effective and well-tolerated. After 1 month, 63.6% of patients showed a good response and 31.8% an excellent response. After 2 months, 72.7% had an excellent response, which persisted after 6 months, suggesting tacrolimus solution as a promising maintenance treatment for these conditions.

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