Limited application of fluticasone propionate ointment, 0.005% in patients with psoriasis of the face and intertriginous areas

Psoriasis Vulgaris: An Evidence-Based Guide for Primary Care

“…For example, a superpotent steroid limited to Ͻ5% body surface area can be used twice daily for up to 2 weeks on the body but avoiding the face and intertriginous regions. Atrophy, telangiectasia, and striae 15 are always a concern, especially when topical steroids are used for long periods of time or used on the groin, axilla, or under occlusion.…”

“…Steroids should be used with caution on the face, groin, axilla, and breasts because these areas are more sensitive to topical steroid penetration and can develop striae. 15 The usual dosage for topical steroids is twice per day for 2 weeks, but this can range depending on the severity and location of the psoriasis and the strength of the steroid used. For example, a superpotent steroid limited to Ͻ5% body surface area can be used twice daily for up to 2 weeks on the body but avoiding the face and intertriginous regions.…”

Safety and Efficacy of Fluticasone Propionate in the Topical Treatment of Skin Diseases

“…This finding is important, since FP bears a lower risk for local and systemic sideeffects and might have excellent safety for treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, particularly those of the recurring type such as psoriasis. Furthermore, the use of FP has been associated with a low risk of cutaneous side-effects for sensitive facial and intertriginous areas [63]. FP 0.005% ointment was applied twice daily for 2 weeks of acute treatment, followed by a long-term management phase of 8 weeks, during which the dosage was decreased to once daily for 2 consecutive days every week.…”

Pimecrolimus 1% Cream in the Treatment of Facial Psoriasis: A 16-Week Open-Label Study

“…Facial involvement of psoriasis is a major therapeutic challenge and requires a treatment approach other than topical corticosteroids which are highly efficacious but carry the risk of skin atrophy with chronic use. Long-term use of topical corticosteroids is also associated with telangiectasia, easy bruising, purpura and perioral dermatitis [8, 12]. In contrast to corticosteroids, pimecrolimus does not affect endothelial cells and fibroblasts and does not induce skin atrophy.…”

“…Lesions often extend beyond the hairline involving the forehead, neck, ears and facial skin. Patients who exhibit facial psoriasis often complain about intense itching and suffer from psychosocial problems due to the high visibility of the lesions [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]. Facial involvement of psoriasis is a major therapeutic challenge and requires a treatment approach other than topical corticosteroids which are highly efficacious but carry the risk of skin atrophy with chronic use.…”