Tacrolimus ointment in the management of atopic dermatitis

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Authors: Antonello Baldo, Mariana Cafiero, Paola Di Caterino, Luisa Di Costanzo

Published Date January 2009 , Volume 2009:2

Antonello Baldo, Mariana Cafiero, Paola Di Caterino, Luisa Di Costanzo

Department of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy

Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, highly pruritic inflammatory skin disease. AD long-term treatment is usually required to control and prevent flares, and patients need a treatment that is safe and efficacious when applied continuously or intermittently over a prolonged period of time. The treatment options should be chosen according to age, clinical features and severity of the disease in every single patient. For the treatment of a chronic disease like AD, sustained tolerability and efficacy of the applied medications are essential. A topical immunomodulator, tacrolimus ointment, provides an alternative to topical corticosteroids without the associated adverse events. Tacrolimus is a macrolide lactone with unique immunomodulatory properties and strong anti-inflammatory activities and can be used without increasing the risk of infection or other non-application site adverse events, and without loss of effectiveness, in patients with AD.

Keywords: atopic dermatitis, tacrolimus, safety