New Treatment for Eczema

My 2 year old grandson has been seeing a dermatologist for eczema since he was born.  Nothing has helped, and it seem to be getting worse.  He scratches so much that we have to keep bandaids on to keep him from bleeding.  His Dr. told us about a new treatment called tacrolimus, but said it is not yet on the market.  Could you tell me about this drug and when it will be availabe.  Also, what would you recommend in the meantime?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Teresa:

Having become a first-time grandpa myself three days ago, you have my sympathy.

Eczema is very frustrating, especially in very young children.  Watching them itch is enough to drive a parent (or grandparent!) crazy.  Tacrolimus, as you note, is not yet available, but to be frank, I would not look forward to it as to some kind of miracle cure.  More likely, it will be of mild benefit.

Meantime, I would keep the skin moist, the nails short, and apply mild hydrocortisone creams as prescribed by your grandson's doctor.  Keep in mind that 1) srctach marks rarely get infected; 2) they do not scar; and 3) as kids get older, the condition gets much more localized if it doesn't go away altogether.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[norma]

I was lucky enough to be treated with a tacrolimus creme made in an Aveeno moisturiser base, for the treatment of severe contact dermatitis, around my eyes, face, neck, underarms.  It was a "miracle" cure for me, since the steroidal based cremes were doing very little.  The doctor had access to the tacrolimus and I was part of a study, I'm sure.  He used the ointment to "wean" me off the cortizones cremes, and in the process, it also pretty much got rid of the dermatitis.  Look forward to this coming on the market soon!