Treatment of Hailey-Hailey disease with tacrolimus ointment and clobetasol propionate foam

J Drugs Dermatol. 2004 Mar-Apr;3(2):200-3.

Abstract

Hailey-Hailey disease, or familial benign chronic pemphigus, is a chronic disease without a known cure. Current therapeutic strategies attempt to suppress Hailey-Hailey outbreaks and allow the patient to live comfortably with this condition. We have found that applying topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment (Protopic) twice a day to affected areas is an excellent way to control Hailey-Hailey disease. In addition to effectively controlling Hailey-Hailey outbreaks, tacrolimus is a relatively safe and noninvasive mode of treatment, without significant side effects. We recommend intermittent therapy with clobetasol propionate 0.05% foam (Olux Foam) for patients who break through suppressive therapy with tacrolimus a few times per year. In patients with frequent outbreaks of Hailey-Hailey disease despite suppressive therapy with tacrolimus, we recommend alternating the tacrolimus with clobetasol propionate 0.05% foam every 6 weeks.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Clobetasol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Clobetasol / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pemphigus, Benign Familial / drug therapy*
  • Pemphigus, Benign Familial / pathology
  • Tacrolimus / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Clobetasol
  • Tacrolimus