Clinical study of tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of chronic hand eczema

Key words: 
• hand eczema /
• tacrolimus ointment /
• hydrocortisone butyrate cream

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of chronic hand eczema in patients. Methods A total of 86 patients with chronic hand eczema applied 0.1%tacrolimus ointment or hydrocortisone butyrate cream twice daily for 4 weeks.Eficacy was evaluated by the use of a standardized hand score(JHS). Results The clinical efficacy rates of 0.1% tacrolimus and hydrocortisone butyrate group in patients were 83.7% and 46.5%,0.1% tacrolimus was significantly more effective than control group in patients with chronic hand eczema(P<0.05).The hand eczema score in 0.1% tarcrolimus ointment group declined significantly compared with control group.The common but temporary side effects in tarcrolimus ointment group included skin itching and burning on the application site. Conclusion s The Results show that 0.1% tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of chronic hand eczema in patients is effective and safe.