The rash of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is usually treated with topical corticosteroids, but prolonged use causes adverse cutaneous side-effects. Pimecrolimus is a prototype of a class of topical immunosuppressive agents with great potential for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. Topical pimecrolimus therapy was applied to facial skin lesions in one case of SLE refractory to topical and systemic steroids. There was a marked regression of the skin lesions after pimecrolimus therapy. This treatment was well tolerated without side effects in this patient. Topical pimecrolimus seems to be a new tool for the management of refractory skin lesions in lupus erythematosus.
pimecrolimus; systemic lupus erythematosus; inflammatory skin disease
