A single‐center open‐label long‐term comparison of tacrolimus ointment and topical corticosteroids for treatment of atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic or recurrent inflammatory skin disease that often requires treatment over years. According to its severity, atopic dermatitis is often managed with use of emollients, topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors or systemic agents. This long-term study compares the efficacy of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment with topical corticosteroids as standard therapy in patients with moderate atopic dermatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 50 patients were enrolled. They were allocated to treatment groups by the investigator (tacrolimus group or standard group), and followed over a period of six to twenty months. Efficacy was evaluated by the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI), the percentage of affected body surface area, and the score of Rajka and Langeland. In addition, ointment usage was documented and analyzed. RESULTS: The improvement of the skin condition was statistically significant in both groups. The comparison of the two groups, however, did not show a statistically significant advantage of one or the other treatment. Ointment usage was slightly higher in the standard group. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment was confirmed. In terms of emollient usage, no regular pattern could be demonstrated.