Tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of steroid-induced rosacea: A preliminary report

Abstract

Background: Excessive topical corticosteroid application to facial areas commonly leads to steroid-induced rosacea. This may be a recalcitrant problem that requires months of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy before it resolves. Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the use of tacrolimus ointment, a macrolide anti-inflammatory ointment for the treatment of 3 patients with steroid-induced rosacea. Methods: Three patients with steroid-induced rosacea applied tacrolimus ointment, 0.075% twice daily for 7 to 10 days. Patients were also instructed to avoid topical corticosteroid use and other rosacea-aggravating substances including caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, hot fluids, and fluoride. Patients were observed for tenderness, erythema, and relief of pruritus. Results: Pruritus, tenderness, and erythema were resolved in all 3 patients after 7 to 10 consecutive days' use of tacrolimus 0.075% ointment in conjunction with avoidance of topical steroids, caffeine, spicy food, alcohol, hot fluids, and fluoride. Conclusion: This preliminary study demonstrates that tacrolimus 0.075% ointment may be effective for patients with steroid-induced rosacea, when combined with avoidance of topical steroid use, as well as avoidance of other agents known to aggravate rosacea (caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, hot fluids, and fluoride). (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:995-8.)