The role of pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel)) in managing adult atopic eczema.
In approximately 60% of patients atopic eczema starts in early childhood and persists throughout adolescence. The inadequate treatment of adult patients with recurrent flaring atopic eczema is associated with poor symptom control and diminished quality of life. The prolonged continuous use of topical corticosteroids is not advocated because of the risk of local and systemic adverse events. Pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel) is an alternative to topical corticosteroids, particularly for delicate skin, e.g. face and other sensitive skin areas, because it has no atrophogenic potential. The results from clinical trials in adult patients demonstrate that intermittent treatment with pimecrolimus relieves the acute symptoms of atopic eczema and improves disease control and quality of life in the long term.
Meurer
Michael
M
Department of Dermatology, Universitatsklinikum Dresden, Dresden, Germany. meurer@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
Lubbe
Jann
J
Kapp
Alexander
A
Schneider
Dirk
D
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012869:Skin Absorption; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism
D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; C117268:pimecrolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus