Inappropriate amounts of topical tacrolimus applied on Korean patients with eczema

Abstract

Background: The limited efficacy of topical tacrolimus may result from insufficient frequency of application or amount applied in eczema patients.

Objective: To investigate the frequency of application and amount of use of topical tacrolimus in patients with various types of eczema.

Methods: The frequency of application and the applied amount of topical tacrolimus were assessed over two weeks.

Results: A total of 200 eczema patients completed this study. The average number of applications per day was 1.75 ± 0.53, despite instructions to apply the topical tacrolimus twice daily. With respect to the frequency of application, 147 (73.5%) and 122 (61.0%) of patients followed the prescription in the first and second weeks, respectively. The average amount applied per 2% of total body surface area (TBSA) was 0.54 ± 0.52 g. Only 53 (26.5%) patients applied between 80 and 120% of expected amount of topical tacrolimus.

Limitations: The frequency of application was self-reported, possibly resulting in limited accuracy.

Conclusion: Korean patients with eczema tend to apply topical tacrolimus less frequently and in inappropriate amounts. Clear instructions regarding both the frequency and amount of application are needed to improve the therapeutic outcome with treatment with topical tacrolimus.

Keywords:

• Adherence
• atopic dermatitis
• eczema
• efficacy
• tacrolimus
• topical treatment

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

IRB status: This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Pusan National University Hospital.