Combination of Tacrolimus Ointment and Short-term Use of Dexamethasone Acetate Ointment for Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment and short-term use of 0.05% dexamethasone acetate ointment for facial seborrheic dermatitis.Methods Seventy one patients were enrolled.All patients were advised to use 0.05% dexamethasone acetate ointment firstly and then to apply 0.1% tacrolimus ointment half an hour later,twice daily,during the first three days.In the following days,dexamethasone acetate ointment was discontinued and only tacrolimus ointment was used twice daily.After lesions disappeared,tacrolimus ointment was used two or three times a week for maintenance.Results Total mean scores were improved significantly(P0.01) at week 1,2 and 4(5.83±3.72,1.78±1.71 and 0.68±1.12),compared with baseline(14.79±6.52).The effective rates of patients and physicans were 97.18% and 98.59%,respectively.Adverse events of burning were observed in 4 patients.It could relieve after three-day use of tacrolimus ointment.Conclusion Combination therapy is effective and safe in the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis.