Pimecrolimus 1% Cream in the Treatment of Facial Psoriasis: A 16-Week Open-Label Study

BACKGROUND: Facial psoriasis requires a treatment approach other than topical corticosteroids which bear the risk of skin atrophy. Topical pimecrolimus has been shown to be effective in atopic eczema and recently in psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this open-label single-center investigator-initiated study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus 1% cream in patients with facial psoriasis. METHODS: 20 adults with facial psoriasis were enrolled. Pimecrolimus 1% cream was applied twice daily to psoriatic lesions of the face over an 8-week period. An 8-week follow-up was added. RESULTS: All clinical parameters showed a significant improvement after 8 and 16 weeks compared to baseline. Pimecrolimus 1% cream was effective and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first clinical study with a larger patient cohort reporting a relevant therapeutic effect and favorable safety profile of pimecrolimus 1% cream in facial psoriasis.