Burning pain after using prescription for Elidell ointment

[rlm4949]

Six weeks ago, I saw my dermatologist for flaky skin on my face, and he prescribed Elidell, to be used in conjunction with a prescribed hydrocortisone cream (2.5%).  I also told him that on a few occasions, I had felt chapped between my legs, under my scrotum, after golfing, but presently was feeling fine. My Doctor said I could use the same treatment for both conditions.
     The first day I used both creams as directed on my face, and hydrocortisone cream only between legs and felt normal. The next day I decided he meant both creams under my scrotum so I put Elidell under scrotum, followed with hydrocortisone cream.
     The doctor did not warn me to keep the area airy.  I spent the day, with long pants on, mostly sitting in a chair.  That night, I noticed a warming sensation under my scrotum, and buttocks.  By 3:30am, I was in a lot of hot, burning, pain and taking a shower to get the cream off.  There was no burning on my face.
      The next morning, I rushed in to see my general practioner, who I knew would see me immediately, and he told me to discontinue Elidell, and prescribed me Proctozone-HC (2.5%).
      After a couple of weeks, and slight improvement, I called my dermatologist who told me to discontinue everything and prescribed Desowen,0.05%.  After two weeks treatment, with no significant signs of improvement, I saw my dermatologist, who examined my skin in the scrotum, and buttocks area and said my skin looks healthy. He said I have contact dermatitus from the Elidell.  He gave me a new prescription, HC Pramoxine (2.5).  I've used it one week, and still have sensations of hot, burning pain, particularly in  between the cheeks of my buttocks, and anal area, and sometimes prickly pain in the outer skin of my buttocks, while sitting.
      If im allergic to Elidell, why didn't it burn my face?  
      Has this caused permanent damage to my skin cells, nerve endings, etc.?  Will my skin heal itself naturally, and how long do you think it will take?   Should I question my doctor about continuing to take hydro-cortisone cream any longer.  I'm concerned about it thinning my skin.  Could that also be contributing to my pain? Finally, if this condition is permanent, is there anything that could be done to partially numb the pain?  Thank you
    

[saraT]

A few months ago, I read a warning about Elidel's possible side effects and that it is dangerous to use. I don't remember exactly what the warning said but it was alarming enough for me to throw out my Elidel that was prescribed by my doctor for exema. I hope you do the same.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Elidel does not cause damage.  Period.  You need to stop thinking about your groin.  Please get whatever help you need to accomplish this.  Thanks.

Dr. Rockoff

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Some patients report a little warmth after Elidel application, but it doesn't last or recur later.  As to what your pain may mean, I suggest that worrying that your skin might be permanently damaged is more than enough to make the skin hurt.  I can't think of any other reason.

Dr. Rockoff

[rlm4949]

Doctor, I don't know if you have time for any more comments but I would appreciate your response if possible.  This is my last comment on my situation:  Let's say my symptons are feelings of "warmth" in the cheeks of my buttocks, after applying Elidell six weeks ago.  I believe that whatever regulates the moisture and temperture in your skin, in that area, has been damaged by the Elidell, thereby causing the "warmth."  I notice it mostly when I'm  walking around, and much less when I'm sitting inside an air-conditioned room.
     Thank you, rlm4949

[rlm4949]

Doctor, the burning, hot pain, that I feel is very real, and is a common side effect of Elidell.  I want to know what it means. RLM4949

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I haven;t seen any contact dermatitis allergies to Elidel.  I'm not sure why you felt warm down there, but it sounds as though whatever irritation you had is now gone, and that you're best off leaving the skin alone except for non-medicated moisturizers and no medicated creams at all.  No dermatitis, no matter how severe, can permanently damage skin or nerve endings.  I suspect that the pain sensations you feel are nothing more than anxiety, brought on by all the treatments you have.  If you had any kind of rash, your doctors could see it.  If your skin now looks healthy, then I think it is.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff