Topical pimecrolimus 1% for the treatment of pruritic external auditory canals.

Abstract

To understand the role and efficacy of topical pimecrolimus in the treatment of refractory pruritus of the external auditory canals (EACs). Retrospective chart review. Thirty-six patients with pruritic EACs who had failed conventional therapy with topical and systemic medications were treated with topical pimecrolimus 1% for a period of 3 months. Baseline and follow-up evaluation of the degree of pruritus among other variables was performed. A control group of 19 patients was instructed on aural toilet alone and was not treated with topical pimecrolimus 1%. Of the 36 patients who were treated with topical pimecrolimus for their pruritic EACs, 34 patients had resolution of their symptoms. There was evidence of return of cerumen production in 86% of patients. In the control group, 16% of patients had improvement of their symptoms with aural toilet. This difference was statistically significant (chi, P < .0001). Topical pimecrolimus appears to be more efficacious than aural toilet in the treatment of pruritic ears for chronic use without side effects.