Elidel Topical Medication May Help Eczema
Elidel is a topical prescription medicine that you put on your skin to treat atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. Elidel is for external use on the skin only and should never be ingested. Elidel is for adults and children two years old or older who suffer from eczema. If used correctly and only as prescribed, Elidel can safely be used for short or intermittent long periods of treatment. It can be used on all the affected areas of your skin, including your face and neck.
Apply a thin layer of elidel cream to the affected skin twice daily and rub in gently and completely. Elidel should be used twice daily for as long as redness and symptoms persist. If the eczema symptoms persist for more than six weeks, the patient should be reevaluated. Before using Elidel, you should tell your doctor if you have a chronic skin, a disease of the immune system, or if you are using any other type of skin product (cream, ointment, lotion, etc.). Let your doctor know if you are using any type of UVB treatment for eczema or if you have been, or plan to be, exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
Depending on your individual situation, you may not be able to use Elidel or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring. Your doctor will decide the dosage amount that is best for you. Elidel is in the FDA pregnancy category C of prescription drugs. This means that it is not known whether Elidel will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or if you are planning to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Elidel passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication if you are breastfeeding.
If you miss a dose, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and use only the next regularly scheduled dose.
The most common side effect at the site of elidel application is burning or a feeling of warmth. The burning feeling is usually mild or moderate; occurring in the first five days of treatment and the burning usually clears up in a few days. See you doctor if an application site reaction is severe or if it persists for more than one week. Other common side effects include headache, throat or nose redness and soreness, flu-like symptoms and cough.
When using elidel you should avoid sunlight and sun lamps, tanning beds and treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you need to be outdoors after applying elidel, wear loose clothing that protects the treated area from the son.
Glossary:
Elidel: a type of prescription medication that is used to treat eczema.