Comparison of efficacy and safety of topical 0.1% tacrolimus ointment versus 0.1% mometasone furoate ointment in mild to moderate chronic hand eczema

Objectives To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment versus mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment in mild to moderate chronic hand eczema. Methods It was a randomized control trial carried out in dermatology department unit-II, KEMU/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Patients with mild to moderate chronic hand eczema were enrolled with age range between 18-70 years, of either sex. We randomized the patients in two groups A & B by balloting. Group A used tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice daily for 6 weeks. Group B used mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment twice daily for 6 weeks. The data were collected and analyzed by SPSS version 18 and p-value <0.05 was taken as significant. Results The study was completed by 102 patients, with 51 in each group, with mean age of 32 years and majority were married females. Both the treatment options were found to be equally efficacious with PGA Score showing significant p value at the end of study (p-value = 0.042). The side effects noted were itching and irritation. Irritation was observed in both treatment groups but did not lead to discontinuation of the treatment as it was transient. This complaint was seen more among the Group A patients. Conclusion It is concluded from our study that 0.1% tacrolimus ointment and 0.1% mometasone furoate ointment are equally efficacious and safe in the treatment of mild to moderate chronic hand eczema.