In treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)— associated eosinophilic folliculitis (EF), potent topical steroids, systemic corticosteroids, antihistamines, and UV light phototherapy (including psoralen plus UV-A) exhibit therapeutic benefit.1-3 An open trial of itraconazole for EF was undertaken following anecdotal reports from physicians in Europe that it dramatically improved HIV-associated pruritus.
Patients and Methods.
Twenty-eight patients were entered in the study at two centers: the private practice of one of us (M.C.) (center 1) and the dermatology clinics of the University of California—San Francisco (center 2). At center 1, if the history and physical findings were compatible with eosinophilic folliculitis, skin biopsies were performed and itraconazole therapy (200 mg twice a day) was immediately begun. Eleven of 12 patients who underwent a biopsy had EF. At center 2, after histologically confirming the diagnosis, treatment was begun. The first three patients received a dose of 100 mg/d. Thereafter, the initial dose was