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Elidel Cream (pimecrolimus) is a topical immunosuppressive medication, useful in a range of inflammatory skin conditions. It can be used in patients age 2 and up.

This product is marketed toward treating atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. It is a second-line treatment, meaning it should be used only when other treatments fail to work or can't be used, such as due to patient allergies.

Off-label patients use Elidel to treat a number of other skin conditions, such as:

• Psoriasis
• Vitiligo
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Lichen planus
• Lupus erythematosus

The medication may be used for other inflammatory skin conditions as well. Treatment is usually quite similar in all cases; the cream is applied directly to the affected area twice per day until the condition is cleared up. Treatment with Elidel should be short-term, ending when the condition is resolved. Treatment can be repeated if the condition resurfaces in the future.

In addition to using Elidel, triggers should be avoided to as great an extent as possible. Common triggers include:

• Sweating
• Sun exposure
• Dry skin
• Allergens in food or the environment
• Irritants, such as soaps or chemicals
• Emotional stress

Moisturizers can be applied to the skin after Elidel has been absorbed, usually after 15 to 30 minutes. Avoid covering medicated areas with airtight dressings. Also avoid showering, bathing, or swimming for a few hours after applying Elidel; the medication washes off easily.

As an immunosuppresive medication it is known that Elidel inhibits the immune system, thus inhibiting the inflammatory reaction of the body that causes itching, inflammation, warmth, pain, and other symptoms. It is not clear how exactly the medication works in clearing up skin lesions.

If significant results are not seen within 6 weeks of use, alternative treatments should be considered. It's possible that the condition was misdiagnosed.

Warnings & Side Effects

Not everyone is a good candidate for Elidel; in particular those who have the following should speak with a doctor about risks and warning signs before use:

• Other bacterial infections
• Viral infections
• Immune system problems
• Use of light therapy

As an immunosuppresive medication, Elidel can interfere with the body's healing process when other infections are present, including those that don't impact the skin. It can also make patients more sensitive to light; patients will need to avoid sun lamps, tanning beds, ultraviolet light therapy, and prolonged sun exposure during treatment.

Otherwise, side effects are unlikely beyond the basic mild burning at the application site during the first few applications. This isn't a problem unless it becomes severe or persists beyond the first few days.

Allergic reactions are always a possibility; warning signs include swelling, particularly of the face or throat; severe dizziness; confusion; difficulty breathing; and a new or worsening rash on the skin.

The USA's regulatory agency, the FDA, has ordered a black-box warning on Elidel packages that the product increases risk of lymph node cancer or skin cancer. This a very disputed topic, with other regulatory agencies and medical associations---including many in the USA---stating there is no evidence to support the FDA's claims.

The effects of Elidel on unborn or nursing babies are unclear; women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid use unless the benefits outweigh any potential risks.