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. 2023 Mar 14:103:adv00890.
doi: 10.2340/actadv.v103.6525.

Safety and Efficacy of Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors in the Treatment of Facial and Genital Psoriasis: A Systematic Review

Diva Amiri  1 , Christopher Willy Schwarz  1 , Lise Gether  1 , Lone Skov  2
Affiliations

Safety and Efficacy of Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors in the Treatment of Facial and Genital Psoriasis: A Systematic Review

Diva Amiri et al. Acta Derm Venereol. .

Abstract

Facial and genital psoriasis impairs quality of life and is challenging to treat because of increased percutaneous penetration and, consequently, increased risk of adverse effects. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are recognized as a valid off-label treatment for these sensitive skin areas, but data on safety and efficacy are limited. This systematic review of the literature included 24 of 3,322 studies (5 randomized controlled trials, 9 open-label studies, 2 case series and 8 case reports). All studies demonstrated positive efficacy; 11 studies found statistically significant reductions in psoriasis severity. Local stinging, burning and itching were the most common short-term adverse effects and were reported in 18 studies. Topical calcineurin inhibitors appear to have an important role in the treatment of facial and genital psoriasis. The drugs are effective and generally well-tolerated with few adverse effects.

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Conflict of interest statement

LS has received research funding from Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AbbVie, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the Danish National Psoriasis Foundation, the LEO Foundation, and the Kgl Hofbundtmager Aage Bang Foundation, and honoraria as consultant and/or speaker for AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and LEO Pharma, Janssen Cilag, UCB, Almirall, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Sanofi. She has served as an investigator for AbbVie, Pfizer, Sanofi, Janssen Cilag, Boehringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Regeneron, Galderma and LEO Pharma. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 flow diagram.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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