Evaluation on azathioprine in the treatment of parthenium dermatitis

Parthenium dermatitis is one of the most intractable problems in dermatology, the management of which poses a therapeutic challenge. The mainstay of treatment has been systemic corticosteroids for prolonged periods which may result in various side-effects.ln the present study, 30 patients of parthenium dermatitis were treated with oral azathioprine in a dose of 1-3 mg/kg/day. Assessment was done at monthly intervals using a clinical score. Azathioprine emerged as an effective and safe corticosteroid sparing agent in the treatment of parthenium dermatitis, provided the patients are carefully monitored for the side effects.