Insight into pimecrolimus experience in seborrheic dermatitis: close follow-up with exact mean cure and remission times and side-effect profile.

BACKGROUND: Pimecrolimus was found to be effective for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in several studies and its off-label use is increasing gradually.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to obtain more detailed information concerning the daily use of pimecrolimus in seborrheic dermatitis and it also aims to contribute to data for the future construction of guidelines.

METHODS: A total of 52 patients with seborrheic dermatitis enrolled in the study. Pimecrolimus 1% cream was applied twice daily. The mean cure and remission times, detailed responses of each clinical finding and side effects were investigated.

RESULTS: The mean cure and mean remission times were 13.34 and 47.98 days, respectively. Disease severity improved by 50% in between the third and seventh days. Pruritus responded first to pimecrolimus. The drug was equally effective for erythema and scaling. The most frequent side effect was the burning-tingling sensation. After the seventh day of the study, there was no side effect.

CONCLUSIONS: Pimecrolimus applications for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis provide a complete cure in a short period of time and a sustained symptom-free period with low and self-limited side effects.