Real‐world efficacy of 2% crisaborole ointment on chronic hyperplasia lesions in 49 patients with atopic dermatitis

Abstract Background Crisaborole, as a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor (PDE4i), effectively inhibits inflammatory pathways, showing promising results in atopic dermatitis (AD), particularly in chronic hyperplasia lesions. Objectives Based on real‐world data from China, this study assesses the effectiveness and safety of 2% PDE4i ointment as monotherapy for chronic hyperplastic AD lesions. Materials and methods A total of 49 AD patients aged 12 and above with chronic hyperplastic lesions and Investigator's Static Global Assessment scores of mild or moderate were enrolled. They received 2% PDE4i ointment twice daily until the lesions completely cleared. The effectiveness endpoints comprised the onset time of pruritus and lesion remission and the time of complete lesion clearance. Results PDE4i demonstrated high effectiveness with minimal irritation, notable improvement in hyperpigmentation, and early remission of pruritus and lesions. The response varied across age groups; elderly patients experienced quicker pruritus relief compared to adolescents and adults, while adolescents showed earlier lesion remission by about 3 days. No significant difference was observed across age groups in the time for complete lesion clearance. Additionally, AD duration (less or more than 3 years) did not significantly impact pruritus or lesion remission. Conclusions PDE4i monotherapy is effective and safe for chronic hyperplasia lesions in AD across all age groups, and its effectiveness appears to be independent of AD duration.