Eczema cream alternative to steroids: study

The Eczema cream ELIDEL, made by Novartis, cleared the skin condition from the faces of patients allergic to or intolerant of steroids, the conventional treatment, a study showed.

According to a statement issued by Novartis, 46.5 percent of patients treated with ELIDEL after six weeks were clear or almost clear of facial Eczema compared to 16.2 percent of the group treated with an inactive placebo.

"This study demonstrates that ELIDEL provides a safe and effective option that can be used intermittently to treat sensitive skin when steroids are inappropriate or to provide a break from frequent use of steroids," Neil Shear, a doctor at the University of Toronto Medical School, was quoted as saying.

Elidel Description:

Pimecrolimus(pim-e-KROW-li-mus) cream is used for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. This is a skin condition where there is itching, redness and inflammation, much like an allergic reaction. Pimecrolimus helps to suppress these symptoms which are a reaction caused by the body's immune system. It can be used for short-term or long-term periodic treatment. Elidel is often used when other types of treatment are either not working or when you cannot tolerate other types of treatment.
For more information check: ELIDEL

Novartis said topical steroids have been used against Eczema for up to 50 years, but their long-term use has been associated with a range of side effects.

In March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said ELIDEL, along with another drug Protopic, should carry a strong advisory about cancer risk. Novartis said on Friday it is in labelling discussions with the FDA.

Protopic (Tacrolimus)
Tacrolimus ( ta-KROE-li-mus) ointment is used for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. This is a skin condition where there is itching, redness and inflammation, much like an allergic reaction. Tacrolimus helps to suppress these symptoms which are a reaction caused by the body's immune system. It can be used for short-term or long-term intermittent treatment. It is often used when other types of treatment are not working or not tolerated by the patient.
For more information check: Protopic
"Novartis remains confident in the safety and efficacy of Elidel in its approved indications," Novartis said.

What is eczema? Eczema is a skin condition. The symptoms of eczema include dry, sensitive skin, intense itching; red, inflamed skin; a recurring rash; scaly areas of skin; rough, leathery patches. People with eczema may experience times when their skin flares and when their skin is clear.