Use of imiquimod cream 5% in the treatment of localized morphea.

Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, T6G 2G3, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Fibrosis is characterized by the increased deposition of collagen and other matrix components by fibroblasts. This process occurs as a reaction to inflammation and is mediated by numerous cytokines including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Localized cutaneous scleroderma or morphea is characterized by fibrosis. Current treatment for morphea includes topical, intralesional, or systemic corticosteroids, vitamin D analog (calcitriol and calcipotriol), photochemotherapy, laser therapy, antimalarials, phenytoin, D-penicillamine, and colchicine, all with varying degrees of success. In this case report, imiquimod cream 5% (Aldara), which induces interferon and in turn inhibits TGF-beta, was employed to treat morphea.

PMID: 15129316 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]