AIM OF STUDY: To study the efficacy of tetracycline (or doxycycline) and nicotinamide in the treatment of less extensive bullous pemphigoid. METHODS: An open trial of 11 patients with bullous pemphigoid. Treatment was initiated with tetracycline 1.5-2 g/day and nicotinamide 1.5-2 g/day and gradually tapered down. Doxycycline was substituted for tetracycline in patients who could not tolerate tetracycline due to gastrointestinal side effects or headache. RESULTS: 6 out of 11 patients achieved complete response (> 90% decrease in lesions) while another 2 had partial response (50-90% decrease in lesions). CONCLUSION: Tetracycline/doxycycline and nicotinamide is a useful alternative treatment for localized bullous pemphigoid, especially in those whose concurrent medical illnesses preclude the use of systemic corticosteroids.
AIM OF STUDY: To study the efficacy of tetracycline (or doxycycline) and nicotinamide in the treatment of less extensive bullous pemphigoid. METHODS: An open trial of 11 patients with bullous pemphigoid. Treatment was initiated with tetracycline 1.5-2 g/day and nicotinamide 1.5-2 g/day and gradually tapered down. Doxycycline was substituted for tetracycline in patients who could not tolerate tetracycline due to gastrointestinal side effects or headache. RESULTS: 6 out of 11 patients achieved complete response (> 90% decrease in lesions) while another 2 had partial response (50-90% decrease in lesions). CONCLUSION:Tetracycline/doxycycline and nicotinamide is a useful alternative treatment for localized bullous pemphigoid, especially in those whose concurrent medical illnesses preclude the use of systemic corticosteroids.
Authors: Hywel C Williams; Fenella Wojnarowska; Gudula Kirtschig; James Mason; Thomas R Godec; Enno Schmidt; Joanne R Chalmers; Margaret Childs; Shernaz Walton; Karen Harman; Anna Chapman; Diane Whitham; Andrew J Nunn Journal: Lancet Date: 2017-03-06 Impact factor: 79.321