In reference to Topical Pimecrolimus 1% for the Treatment of Pruritic External Auditory Canals

New treatment strategy and assessment questionnaire for external auditory canal pruritis: topical pimecrolimus therapy and Modified Itch Severity Scale

“…However, long term use of topical corticosteroids is contraindicated, as they cause epidermal thinning and a decrease in microvascularity and keratinocyte numbers. 7 Pimecrolimus should not be used in children who are immunosuppressed or younger than two years. 6,18 It has been shown to be topically effective in the treatment of atopic and non-atopic pruritis.…”

“…7 Recent studies evaluating pruritus have tended to focus on itch intensity, often overlooking how the symptom is perceived by the patient. We believe that one of the biggest shortcomings of the few published studies has been the use of inadequate questionnaires for symptom assessment.…”

“…Pimecrolimus, a new agent, has recently been successfully used in the topical treatment of chronic ear itching 6 , 18 . It has been shown to be topically effective in the treatment of atopic and non-atopic pruritis 7 . Pimecrolimus should not be used in children who are immunosuppressed or younger than two years.…”

“…7 An ideal instrument would accurately assess patients' perceptions of pruritus severity, and would allow comparison between patients as well as assessment of treatment effectiveness. via use of a visual analog scale).…”

“…Previous studies have focused on patients' perception of this symptom, or on its effect on daily life. Therefore, we believed that a standardised, practical questionnaire was required to quantify the severity of external auditory canal pruritis and its effect on the patient, for use in both clinical evaluation and research 7 . An ideal instrument would accurately assess patients' perceptions of pruritus severity, and would allow comparison between patients as well as assessment of treatment effectiveness.…”