Pentoxifylline in the treatment of actinic prurigo. A preliminary report of 10 patients.

BACKGROUND: Actinic prurigo (AP) is a chronic familial photodermatosis usually seen in Latin-American Mestizo and Indian populations. It frequently begins in childhood and is more prevalent in females. The pathogenesis of AP has not been clearly elucidated, but previous studies have suggested an immune-mediated condition. Many drugs have been employed to treat AP patients with variable success.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy of pentoxifylline (PTX) in the treatment of AP patients by measuring its effects on lesions and pruritus.

METHODS: 10 patients with severe AP were included to receive PTX in a 6-month open-label uncontrolled study.

RESULTS: Clinical improvement of lesions was evident in all patients. Relief in pruritus was evident after 1 month of treatment and was maintained while receiving PTX. Five patients were followed up for 2 years, 2 obtained complete remission, and 3 had an important reduction in the use of corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION: PTX was useful in the treatment of our actinic prurigo patients. It may induce a complete or partial remission of lesions and allow a decrease in the use of topical corticosteroids.