Elidel Cream 

Elidel Cream is a topical medication used in the treatment of eczema and is available by prescription.  Elidel Cream is available to be used by children two years of age or older and all adults.  Elidel Cream is in a class of medicines referred to as "topical calcineurin inhibitors."  Usually, Elidel Cream is used only after other remedies have failed, or other medications can't be used for some reason. 

Elidel Cream should only be used for short periods, and if still needed for the condition, continued only after a two week break between uses. 

Elidel Cream for Vitiligo 

Vitiligo is a skin condition that results in the loss of pigmentation.  The irregular white splotches are unsightly but have no apparent bearing on the overall health of the skin.  Elidel Cream is prescribed by doctors for this condition sometimes, but not all dermatologists are convinced of Elidel Cream's value for treating this condition. 

Elidel Cream for Rosacea 

Rosacea is redness and streaking of the skin on the head and face.  It is not a life threatening condition but it is embarrassing for the person who has it.  Some doctors have prescribed Elidel Cream for this problem and it may improve the redness.  There is not enough data to confirm if Elidel Cream makes a substantial difference for treating Rosacea. There is no cure for Rosacea, it has to be treated in brief periods and then left untreated with Elidel Cream as specified.

Elidel Cream Cancer

A small group of people who used Elidel Cream for eczema developed cancer of the skin and lymphoma.  This has caused concern about the extended use of Elidel Cream, but there has been no confirming data to indicate that the Elidel Cream caused or was in any way a factor in the cancer. 

Because of the slight concern that Elidel Cream could play some part in the occurrence or reoccurrence of skin related cancer, it is recommended that Elidel Cream not be used for extended periods of time, be used only for eczema, and not used on children under two years of age. 

Elidel Cream Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects for Elidel Cream are burning or heated areas of the skin, which are usually moderate and happen within the first few days of treatment.  They are usually gone in less than a week.  If these feelings continue or worsen, discontinue use of Elidel Cream and consult your doctor. 

Other side effects of Elidel Cream are common cold, stuffy nose, headache, influenza, cough, viral infection, or fever.  Some reports of viral skin infections with the use of Elidel Cream include cold sores, chicken pox, shingles, or warts. 

Some cases of swollen lymph nodes have been linked to Elidel Cream use.  Consult your doctor if skin infections or swollen glands continue to be a problem when you use Elidel Cream.