An open-label pilot study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topically applied tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of hand and/or foot eczema.

Overview

BACKGROUND: Hand and foot eczema is a chronic skin disorder. Although topical corticosteroids are often used to control the predominant symptoms of the disease, the chronicity of the condition increases the risk of long-term adverse effects. A safer alternative is needed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of tacrolimus ointment 0.1% in hand and/or foot eczema. METHODS: Twenty-five adults applied tacrolimus ointment 0.1% to affected areas three times daily for 8 weeks and were followed for 2 additional weeks. RESULTS: Except for vesiculation, compared with baseline there were significant improvements in erythema, scaling, induration, fissuring, composite severity, and pruritus (p<0.007). Two weeks after discontinuing treatment, significant improvement in scaling and composite severity (p<0.03) persisted, whereas erythema, induration, vesiculation, fissuring, and pruritus had returned to pre-treatment levels. CONCLUSION: Tacrolimus ointment 0.1% is a promising corticosteroid alternative for hand/foot eczema.