Treatment of nodular prurigo with cyclosporin in microemulsion

BACKGROUND: Nodular prurigo is a chronic dermatitis characterized by very intense pruritus. The treatment is often unsatisfactory. METHODS: Two patients, suffering from chronic, widespread and therapy-resistant nodular prurigo, were treated with cyclosporin in microemulsion. The drug was used orally, at dosage of 3 mg/kg per day for 2 months, followed by 2.5 mg/kg per day for 2 months and by 2 mg/kg per day for 2 months. During the therapy no other topical or systemic drugs were used. RESULTS: In both patients pruritus regressed almost completely within 2 weeks, whereas the morphology of the lesions changed slightly (minimal reduction in infiltration and erythema). The regression of pruritus was followed by a noteworthy improvement in the quality of life. During follow-up, no relapses of pruritus were reported. CONCLUSION: On the basis of this experience, cyclosporin in microemulsion can be successfully used in the treatment of chronic, widespread and therapy-resistant nodular prurigo.