Eczema – Protopic and Elidel Ointment and Creams

Protopic and Elidel ointment and creams are immunosuppressive drugs that are topical forms of cyclosporin. In examining the studies published in the dermatology journals supporting their efficacy, minimally statistically significant data was presented, yet this was enough to gain FDA approval and permission to market the products.

One can bear grief, but it takes two to be glad.

E Hubbard

The strengths of the medications are very low.

In my experience both of these products rarely produce good results. They are very expensive and the ointment base or the cream base might provide some lubrication and perhaps some mild minimization of itching but real effectiveness is lacking. I have seen hundreds of pediatric patients who have used these preparations with no benefit at all. I do not prescribe them.

By Dr Marvin Rapaport, MD|2021-10-19T03:16:50-07:00August 25th, 2015|Treatment of Red Skin Syndrome, What Is Eczema|Comments Off

About the Author: Dr Marvin Rapaport, MD

In 1978 I initiated and set up the contact and photo dermatitis clinic at UCLA. There was a need to evaluate a large group of patients who exhibited severe eczematoid rashes, especially on the face. Patients were referred from all over Southern California. All patients underwent a lengthy history and examination. Further evaluations included blood studies, allergy patch testing, special sunlight (photo) testing and skin biopsies. From the start it was apparent that most patients experienced a mild dermatitis on various parts of the body that progressively worsened. Their histories always included numerous doctor visits, multiple physicians, and therapy consisting of an increasing amount of corticosteroids. My testing failed to reveal any specific culprit chemicals, cosmetics, perfumes, workplace or recreational exposures. It became increasingly clear that the physician’s therapy, the corticosteroids, was invariably causing the problem. I wrote 7 scientific articles that were published in the most august peer-reviewed dermatologic journals and I gave many lectures at various dermatology meetings. To this day an unfortunate reluctance exists on the part of most physicians to accept this simple concept.