Efficacy of topical tacrolimus in atopic dermatitis

Mainstay treatments for atopic dermatitis include cutaneous hydration, antihistamines and topical glucocorticoids. To avoid side effects associated with long term and higher potency topical corticosteroids, further topical immunosuppressive agents should be tried. Topical tacrolimus has been extensively studied and shows promise in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. To determine the safety and efficacy of tacrolimus in atopic dermatitis. In this randomized, case-control study, out of 60 patients with atopic dermatitis [age ranging 2 to 45 years], 30 [case] were treated with tacrolimus [0.03%] ointment twice daily and 30 [control] were treated with vaseline twice daily for up to 3 weeks. Evaluation included per cent body durface area [%BSA] affected, individual signs of atopic dermatitis, the Severity Score of Atopic dermatitis [SCORAD], and the patient's assessment of pruritus. The outcome variables like erythema, edema/papulation, oozing/crusting, excoriation, pruritus, body surface area involved and SCORAD in the case group improved significantly compared to those in the control group [p< 0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.005, <0.001, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively]. After 3 weeks of tacrolimus, all variables except lichenification score responded significantly. Significantly higher number complained of burning sensation in cases [20%] as compared to none in the control group. Topical 0.03% tacrolimus is more effective than the vehicle alone

Linear lichen planus: a case report

Linear lichen planus [LP] is one of the rare variants of disease. We report here a case of linear LP who presented himself in the out-patient clinic with multiple papules and plaques which coalesced in a linear fashion over the left lower extremities extending from foot to thigh

Leukemia mimicking juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL] represent about 75% of all cases. All patients who present with arthritis should have thorough investigations otherwise early diagnosis may be missed. This study describes four patients which presented with arthritis but later on they were diagnosed to be suffering from leukemia