Korean J Dermatol.
2008 Dec;46(12):1609-1614.
Clinical Effects of Oral Naproxen for the Treatment of Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Koera. khcho@snu.ac.kr
- 2Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Koera.
Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is characterized by erythematous patches of follicular papules and pustules that mainly involve the face. Although various treatments have been attempted for EPF, including systemic and topical steroids, dapsone and indomethacin, there is no consensus on the first choice for treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of naproxen treatment for EPF patients.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 16 biopsy-proven EPF patients who were treated with naproxen. Initial dose of oral naproxen was 500 mg to 1,000 mg. Therapeutic effects were evaluated by 3 grades: NR (no response), PR (partial remission, >50% improvement), CR (complete remission).
RESULTS
Of the 16 EPF patients, 11 patients (69%) showed either complete remission (50%) or partial remission (19%). The median time to response for good responders (CR+PR) was 1.5 weeks. Two patients (13%) had mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as indigestion, but the symptoms disappeared soon after use of a gastrointestinal protectant.
CONCLUSION
Oral naproxen may be an effective and safe treatment modality for EPF.
