Anyone heard of Tacrolimus ointment used in the treatment of eczema?

[poppiesinalinewithtinsel]

Just been to a skin specialist for DS2's eczema and he prescribed Tacrolimus ointment to use twice a day. I didn't get the chance to ask any questions about it (DS1 and DD were being complete PITAs and showing me up no end ) and all I wanted to do was get out of there.

Now getting home, have googled it and am not happy with what I read.

some mention of being an antibiotic (which I am not happy about) and possible links to certain cancers which I am certainly not happy about.

Anyone else used this or knows any more information about it?

I was on the oral form after my transplant.It is not a normal anti biotic it is an immunosuppressant.The cream is very very weaqk and it is continued high doses of the oral form that can but may never cause cancer.It is a macrolide antibiotic so works in a different way to normal ones.It is v effectinve for skin conditions but does depend how long you will be on it.

how old is ds? its not recommended for the under twos i believe.

it works by suppressing the skins immune system, helping the skin to recover and break the itch scratch cycle. its should be a short term treatment. how bad is ds skin?

He is only 20 months! Dr said to put it on twice a day until the skin is really really clear and then just use when it flares up. So, don't actually know how long - blasted kids, wish they had behaved themselves so I could have concentrated properly

So, its not an antibiotic as such then? Safe to use do you reckon?

His skin isnt really really bad. The eczema is that 'there' all the time and he scratches, scratches, scratches. All the emolllients etc do nothing for him.

it is worrying when you google certain medicines and things. but make sure whatever it is you've read stands up before you make any quick decisions.

yes safe to use, just use with care, and take extra care in sun (in december lol) as it can lead to the skin burning easily i think.

what emoillants have yoiu used?

Doublebase, Diprobase, Ugmentin (sp?), Cetraben, Aveeno, and one that is 50% white paraffin and 50% something else! (cant remember what! LOL).

If its an immunosupressant - will that only work on the skin? It won't go through to his body and immune system will it?

just the skin. dh wil lbe on the strong stuff after his transplant.

I have it on repeat prescription for ds. Was told it was safer to use on his face than steroid creams. Do not use it as his face is the one place free from eczema.

Yes, was also told about keeping out of sunlight.

yuou havent tried dermol 500?

It will just work on the skin the amount in the cream is quite small.

phew! thanks guys.

no haven't tried dermal 500. Losing heart though I must confess re: emollients.

Dr didnt mention sunlight. Maybe he didnt think it was important in December - would have been nice to know though.

dermol is a lotion. its works very well on my dd1 skin, or it did till she had a reaction to it after 3 years. is now using aveeno.

The dermatologist prescribed this for my DS when he was 7 months old. I used it for a short while - it cleared all of his patches of eczema v. quickly (apart from the eczema on his cheeks).

There are other ways to stop the itch/scratch cycle - the snuggle paws website is good - they produce anti scratch clothing. I bought some pj tops for DS to stop him scratching at night - the tops don't have holes at the end of the arms (he can take a scratch mitten off in 1 second!). They produce other anti scratch clothes for babies and children up to about 6 years old.

I took DS to see a specialist eczema nurse recently and she really helped me understand how to use the creams and emollients effectively.

i get the kids eczema clothing from cotton comfort.

will check snuggle paws and compare prices though as cotton comfort are pricey.