Topical tacrolimus in the treatment of bovine collagen hypersensitivity

Background. Soft tissue augmentation with bovine collagen is a common and s afe aesthetic procedure. Despite adequate pretreatment testing, allergic re actions can develop. The medical literature provides little guidance to the clinician in the management of bovine collagen hypersensitivity. Objective. We describe a case of bovine collagen allergy treated with 0.1% topical tacrolimus and corticosteroids. Methods. Clinical evaluation and management of a patient with bovine collag en hypersensitivity. Results. Our patient responded to combined therapy with oral corticosteroid s and topical tacrolimus. Conclusion. Topical tacrolimus may be a useful first-line or adjuvant thera py in the management of bovine collagen allergic reactions. Further clinica l experience with its use for bovine collagen hypersensitivity is required to determine its true efficacy in this condition.