Immunosuppressant medications are known to prevent or inhibit the activities of your immunity cells. There are many sub-genres in this category; one of these sub-genres is known as calcineurin inhibitors. Of the many therapeutic uses, calcineurin inhibiting meds can treat skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (also called eczema) and a few other such conditions. Atopic eczema or simply, eczema is a chronic swelling of skin. You skin may crack and turn red. In this milieu, it becomes necessary to know about pimecrolimus, and what is pimecrolimus cream used for.
Skin conditions like atopic dermatitis or eczema are known to occur in some 19% of individuals at any point in time. Children and younger adults are more vulnerable to atopic eczema. Risks factors are many – such as problems with immunity cells, genetic factors, disorders relating to permeability of skin, etc. People residing in dry weather conditions are more vulnerable.
Treatment of atopic dermatitis involves the use of topical creams. In some cases, steroids such as corticosteroids are applied to protect your skin from flaring up. Your dermatologist (skin doctor) is also likely to prescribe moisturising cream to keep your skin less-dry; such measures keep atopic eczema under control. If any of these measures do not give needful relief, calcineurin inhibiting creams such as pimecrolimus are used.
So, what is pimecrolimus?
This is a drug used for treating eczema. This is strictly for topical use, and not to be used otherwise. If you have accidentally used this cream on your eyes or mouth, rinse those parts with water as quickly as you possibly can. Also, this med must not be used on open sores or cuts. It is advised to store this cream at room temperature. Never keep it in your toilets as the moisture there can make this cream ineffective.
What is pimecrolimus cream used for?
This topical cream is chiefly used for treating eczema or atopic dermatitis. Pimecrolimus is prescribed if other meds for eczema have failed to treat your skin condition. It is also applied when you are not advised to use steroidal drugs. Key ingredients of pimecrolimus are known to alter your skin’s immunity cells; thus, this med reduces the adverse reactions eczema causes on skin.
This cream is never used among those who underwent a recent transplant procedure or in general, people with a weak immunity system. Some dermatologists use this cream for treating acne. But, in some users, it may cause adverse effects like inflammation or darkening of applied spots. Use of an apt antimicrobial cream becomes necessary in such cases. It is hence a wise thing to talk to your doctor about – can pimecrolimus cream be used for acne.
Precautions needed before using pimecrolimus
Before using pimecrolimus, inform your doctor if you have prior allergies or hypersensitivity to immunosuppressants. Those with cancers on skin or topical infections like herpes or chicken pox must keep their caregiver updated of such conditions. Pimecrolimus is not safe on children – especially, those aged less than 2 years.
It is important to keep away from sun lamps, tanning booths or being directly exposed to sun’s rays. If you are going to go out after applying pimecrolimus, use protective garments like gloves, headgear, etc. As the odds of getting an infection stay high, keep away from those who have a viral infection viz., cold, flu, etc.
It is a key thing to apply this med as per the dosage plan of your caregiver. It is a good practice to read the instruction booklet carefully. It is highly recommended to wash your fingers with cleaning agents before as well as after using this cream.
Lastly, if you want to know more about can pimecrolimus cream be used on the face, talk to a qualified skin doctor before using this immunosuppressant cream.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.