Benefits
Improvement is seen within a week of starting either medication—redness and itching will decrease. Treatment is usually intermittent and used for flares. The medication can be discontinued after the rash resolves. Other benefits of Protopic and Elidel include:
Can be used for short-term and repeated courses Do not cause thinning of the skin, stretch marks, and spider veins Are safe for use anywhere on the body including the face, neck, around the eyes, groin, and in skin folds Can be used safely in children as young as 2 years old
Side Effects
The main side effect seen with the use of Protopic and Elidel is itching and burning at the site immediately after application. These symptoms usually last about 15 minutes and resolve after a couple of days. In 2006, the FDA updated the labeling to include a warning about a possible risk of cancer with these medications. Because the long-term side effects of Protopic and Elidel are not known, they should not be the first prescription treatment you try for eczema. They are often prescribed if topical steroids are not controlling your eczema symptoms. Protopic and Elidel should not be used if you have a skin infection including viral infections like chickenpox, herpes, or molluscum contagiousum.
How to Use Protopic and Elidel
Wash your hands before applying the cream. Put a thin layer of cream on the affected skin twice a day. Use only the minimum amount necessary to cover the area. Wash your hands after applying the cream. You can stop using the medication when your symptoms go away Do not tan in a tanning bed during the time you use these medications, even if they aren’t on your skin. Use sunscreen daily. See your healthcare provider if your symptoms have not improved in 6 weeks.
