THALIDOMIDE USE IN DERMATOLOGY

Since the discovery of the dramatic efficacy of thalidomide in erythema nodosum leprosum, many works have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties of this drug. During the past two decades, thalidomide has been shown to be effective in several dermatological diseases such as actinic prurigo, discoid lupus erythematosus, prurigo nodularis, recurrent severe aphtosis and Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin. Extra-dermatological indications are now being tested, such as graft-versus host disease, rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. The precise way of thalidomide action remains unknown. The pharmacokinetics of the drug could explain in part its particular efficacy in muco-cutaneous disorders. Since the teratogenic effect of thalidomide can now be controlled, the neurotoxicity of the drug is now the principal factor limiting its use.