First case series on the use of imiquimod for morphoea.

Dytoc, M; Ting, P T; Man, J; Sawyer, D; Fiorillo, L · Br J Dermatol · 2005

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Morphoea is characterized by fibrosis, which is mediated by cytokines including transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. Our objective was to use imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara), an inducer of interferon-gamma, known to inhibit TGF-beta, to treat morphoea. Patients with morphoea were treated with imiquimod and evaluated during their follow-up visits to 6 months. The dyspigmentation, induration and erythema of 12 patients with morphoea lesions improved. The histology of the skin also showed a decrease in dermal thickness. This is the first case series describing the successful application of imiquimod in the management of morphoea.

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