Topical tacrolimus and topical corticosteroids show similar safety profiles in children with atopic dermatitis

Key clinical point: Topical tacrolimus (TAC; 0.3% and 0.1%) and topical corticosteroids (TCS) of mild and moderate potency were safe and showed a comparable safety profile in young children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: Skin-related infections (P = .198), other infections (P = .498), height (P = .601), weight (P = .812), vaccination responses (P = .620), and serum cortisone levels (P = .228) were not significantly different between TAC and TCS groups. In both groups, Eczema Area and Severity Index decreased significantly (P < .0001) and was similar after 36 months (P = .187).

Study details: Findings are from a 36-month follow-up study including 152 children (age 1-3 years) with moderate-to-severe AD who were randomly assigned to receive TCS creams or TAC ointments (0.03% and 0.1%).

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Disclosures: The work was supported by the Pediatric Research Foundation, Helsinki University Hospital, Sigrid Juselius Foundation, and others. The authors declared no conflict of interests.

Source: Salava A et al. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2021 (Nov 19). Doi: 10.1111/ced.15024.