How do topical calcineurin inhibitors help eczema?
Protopic® (tacrolimus) ointment and Elidel® (pimecrolimus) cream are topical calcineurin inhibitors. They will:
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce itch
- Combat dryness
- Prevent flares from recurring
What do I need to know about topical calcineurin inhibitors used to treat eczema?
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors are an alternative to topical corticosteroids, when skin is being damaged or there is concern about overuse of steroids.
- They are approved for adults and children age 2 and up.
- They may be used 2-4 times weekly as maintenance/preventive treatment.
- When used, you need to avoid sunlight and sunlamps – calcineurin inhibitors may cause skin to be more sensitive to light.
- They may cause skin pain (such as a burning sensation), especially when applied to acutely inflamed skin.
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors have an FDA warning. They may increase risk of skin cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The American Academy of Dermatology says this risk applies to oral forms of the medication taken at high doses for long periods of time; the risk is lower with limited topical use.
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Last updated : 5/17/2021