Efficacy of Topical Gabapentin in Women With Primary Macular Amyloidosis: A Side-By-Side Triple-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial Publisher Pubmed

Summary: A study found gabapentin cream reduces itching in skin condition, offering a new treatment option. #SkinHealth #ChronicItch

Abtahinaeini B^{1, 2} ; Hemati E¹ ; Faghihi G² ; Shahmoradi Z² ; Paknazar F³ ; Rastegarnasab F⁴ ; Varshosaz J⁵ ; Hadian M² ; Akbari M⁶ ; Sabzghabaee AM⁷
Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Published:2024

Abstract

Background: Primary cutaneous macular amyloidosis (PCMA) is a chronic pruritic cutaneous disease characterized by heterogeneous extracellular deposition of amyloid protein in the skin. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical 6% gabapentin cream for the treatment of patients with PCMA. Materials and Methods: In this triple-blind clinical trial, a total of 34 patients, who were diagnosed with PCMA, treated using two different strategies of topical gabapentin as the active group and vehicle cream as the control group. Results: Pruritus score reduction in both groups was statistically significant compared with the baseline value (p < 0.001). There was a significant pigmentation score reduction in intervention group compared with control group after 1 month of the study (p < 0.001). The differences of pigmentation score changes between the groups were not significant at month 2 (p = 0.52) and month 3 (p = 0.22). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that topical gabapentin cream may be effective as a topical agent in the treatment of pruritus associated with PCMA without any significant adverse effects. It is recommended to perform similar studies with a larger sample size and longer duration in both sexes. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.