Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
New Treatment for Eczema
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
New Treatment for Eczema
by Teresa, Oct 21, 2000 12:00AM
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?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Oct 22, 2000 12:00AM
, Oct 22, 2000 12:00AM
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
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
Member Comments (2)
by norma, Oct 25, 2000 12:00AM
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!
