Effects and Significance of Cyclosporine Therapy in Chronic Actinic Dermatitis

Cho, Heun Jung; Hann, Seung Kyung; Shin, Hang Kye; Park, Yoon Kee; Lee, Kwang Hoon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic actinic dermatitis comprises a spectrum of chronic photosensitivity disorders. Treatment includes avoidance of UV light, application of broad-spectrum topical sunscreens, PUVA therapy, corticosteroid, azathioprine and cyclosporine.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to determine the efficacy of cyclosporine in the treatment of chronic actinic dermatitis.
METHODS
Six patients with chronic actinic dermatitis refractory to conventional treatment were treated with cyclosporine 100-200mg a day for four to eighteen weeks.
RESULTS
In all six patients improvement of the skin lesions and itching were dramatic, but in three of them hyperterision developed during the cyclosporine treatment. After stopping the cyclosporine therapy, their blood pressures normalized within two to five weeks. Other side effects of cyclosporine were not found. Although the skin lesions of all of the six patients were aggravated more or less after stopping the cyclosporine therapy, we could maintain their improved states with topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines.
CONCLUSION
1. Cyclosporine is a good alternative in treating chronic actinic dermatitis patients who are suffering from severe symptoms refractory to conventional therapy. 2. Hypertension is the frequent side effect of cyclosporine.