Access Dermatology

Summary

Calcineurin inhibitors are very potent immunomodulating agents which have been widely used for 20 years. The inhibition of calcineurin leads to blocking of calcium-dependent signal transduction and to the reduction of cytokine production in T cells and some other cell types, resulting in the modulation of immune system. Topical calcineurin inhibitors were primarily approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in adults and children over the age of 2 years. They were shown to be effective and safe without major side effects. In the last decade, they have also been used successfully in a number of immune, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases other than atopic dermatitis. In this review, clinical experience with topical calcineurin inhibitor therapy in cutaneous lupus erythematosus is reviewed. Advantages and disadvantages, effects and adverse reactions, interactions, dosage, therapy protocols, and expected outcome are described.