Topical Tacrolimus as a Novel Treatment for Refractory Idiopathic Facial Aseptic Granuloma in a Pediatric Patient

This report describes the case of a four-year-old girl with idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma (IFAG) who developed persistent, treatment-resistant eyelid and facial inflammation despite multiple courses of antibiotics and corticosteroids. Her presentation included recurrent hordeola, severe blepharitis, and a cheek nodule, with a clinical picture more consistent with IFAG than pilomatrixoma despite histologic evidence of the latter. Standard therapies provided only transient benefit and were limited by systemic side effects. Initiation of topical tacrolimus 0.03% ointment led to rapid and sustained improvement in redness, irritation, and nodularity. This case highlights topical tacrolimus as a promising non-steroidal option for children with prolonged or refractory IFAG.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-03-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.104657
Primary Topic
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Topical Tacrolimus as a Novel Treatment for Refractory Idiopathic Facial Aseptic Granuloma in a Pediatric Patient

Nikisha Q. Richards, Terry Henry, Shivam Gulhar, Mohannad Al-Samarraie et al.
Cureus
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders
article

Topical Tacrolimus as a Novel Treatment for Refractory Idiopathic Facial Aseptic Granuloma in a Pediatric Patient

Nikisha Q. Richards, Terry Henry, Shivam Gulhar, Mohannad Al-Samarraie, Grace Staes
article en

Abstract

This report describes the case of a four-year-old girl with idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma (IFAG) who developed persistent, treatment-resistant eyelid and facial inflammation despite multiple courses of antibiotics and corticosteroids. Her presentation included recurrent hordeola, severe blepharitis, and a cheek nodule, with a clinical picture more consistent with IFAG than pilomatrixoma despite histologic evidence of the latter. Standard therapies provided only transient benefit and were limited by systemic side effects. Initiation of topical tacrolimus 0.03% ointment led to rapid and sustained improvement in redness, irritation, and nodularity. This case highlights topical tacrolimus as a promising non-steroidal option for children with prolonged or refractory IFAG.

Cureus
Openalex Percentile: Top 36%
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders
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