Tacrolimus in the management of large facial patch with recurring reversal reaction: Outcome of a pilot clinical trial study on 5 patients

摘要

Background: Inflamed large facial patch, being compromising the appearance and beauty of a patient, is a source of embarrassment and distress, and affects anti-leprosy drive adversely in many ways in the field situation. Its management with oral prednisolone alone, the mainstay of treatment for reversal reaction, proved disappointing. Objective: To see whether topical tacrolimus will be helpful in managing those patients. Methodology: We treated five adult patients with recurring reversal reaction in large facial patch with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, twice daily and lower dose oral prednisolone for twelve months during March, 2012-February, 2013. Result: Complete remission was achieved in all cases. No side effects of whatsoever was seen in any patient. No recurrence of reaction is seen in any patient till to date. Conclusion: Tacrolimus ointment and lower dose prednisolone was found helpful in managing patients with recurring reversal reaction in large facial patch.