"Elidel" is an anti-inflammatory drug for topical application. Most often it is used in the field of dermatology. The active substance of the cream is pimecrolimus. The drug is not hormonal, which makes it safe.
"Elidel" has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. At the same time, it is convenient to use, since it is quickly absorbed after application and begins to act on inflamed areas of the skin. Regular use of this cream eliminates itching and other manifestations of dermatitis of various origins.
The instruction for Elidel will be presented later in this article.
Composition and action
The drug is in the form of a cream. It can be used only externally. Available in three versions: 15, 30 and 100 gram aluminum tubes.
Each gram of cream contains 10 mg. active component of pimecrolimus. In addition, the composition of the drug is supplemented with auxiliary substances, including citric acid, benzyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, stearyl alcohol, purified water, etc.
Refers to the pharmacological group of anti-inflammatory drugs for topical application. It is a selective synthesis inhibitor and releases inflammation pathogens.
According to the instructions for use, Elidel cream is capable of selectively disrupting production and releasing substances from the tissues that provoke the development of the inflammatory process, namely T-lymphocytes and mast cell mediators.
In addition to a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, the cream also has a selective effect on the skin. However, there is no systemic effect on the human immune system. It is proved that with prolonged use of the cream, the number of relapses of atopic dermatitis is significantly reduced. The instruction to "Elidel" confirms this.
Indications
The cream is prescribed for the following diseases:
1. Atopic dermatitis. These are genetically determined allergic diseases in a chronic form.
2. Eczema of various types and forms. These are inflammatory processes on the skin, which can occur in both acute and chronic forms. For this disease, a variety of rashes are characteristic, as well as the appearance of weeping areas on the affected skin. An exception is eczema, the appearance of which is provoked by harmful microbes.
3. In the treatment of atopic dermatitis and eczema in cases where hormonal therapy is contraindicated. As a rule, this applies to the treatment of children.
4. Individual intolerance or inefficiency from treatment with hormonal drugs, that is, corticosteroids.
5. Localization of dermatitis and eczema on the neck and head. The fact is that it is not recommended to smear these areas of the body with hormonal drugs for a long time.
Contraindications
As indicated in the instructions for use, Elidel cannot be used in the following cases:
1. Infectious skin lesions of bacterial, viral or fungal origin in acute form.
2. The age of the child is up to three months. The ban on use is associated with the lack of studies on the safety of the drug in relation to this age group.
3. Intolerance to the components of the drug, not only active, but also excipients.
What else does the instructions for use tell us? For children, "Elidel" is also suitable.
Carefully
Since there is a risk of increased absorption of the drug, in the following cases it is used with caution:
1. Netherton's syndrome. It is a congenital skin disease.
2. Inflammation that occurs in severe form or extensively affects the skin of a person.
With weakened immunity, for example, with immunodeficiency, the use of the medication also requires caution, since there are no clinical trials in this area. If the patient is undergoing therapy with drugs that suppress the immune system, the use of the drug is also unacceptable.
When applying the cream, patients should avoid direct sunlight, as well as trips to the solarium, if possible. Moreover, it does not matter whether the cream is applied to the skin at this moment or not.
Application
According to the instructions, "Elidel" can be used only externally. The greatest effect can be achieved by starting therapy immediately after the first signs of eczema appear. This will quickly achieve positive dynamics and avoid extensive skin damage. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the attending physician. According to the instructions, in the best case, the course should be short and periodic. As a rule, the drug is used until the symptoms disappear. However, when using Elidel for more than 6 weeks, an additional examination is necessary.
You can smear with cream any parts of the body, including the inguinal region, face and genitals. It is strongly not recommended to apply a tight and tight bandage to the affected skin after applying the cream. If the disease has a chronic form, then a repeated course is allowed to be carried out immediately when signs of relapse appear.
According to the instructions for use and reviews of "Elidel", after the cream has been absorbed, an emollient should be applied. After taking a bath, you should first apply a softening cream, and then the drug we are already describing. If the cream gets into the eyes or on the mucous membranes, wash it off thoroughly.
There are no strict restrictions on the number of times and the amount of applied cream. The drug should be applied in a thin layer to the entire affected area every 12 hours.
Side effects
According to the instructions, Elidel rarely causes side effects. However, sometimes the following symptoms may occur:
1. Burning sensation immediately after applying the cream to the skin.
2. Sometimes there is irritation and redness of the skin, and itching also appears.
3. The appearance of furuncle abscesses on the skin and other manifestations of the deterioration of the patient's condition.
4. Lymphadenopathy or swollen lymph nodes, usually associated with infection of the skin. If it was not possible to establish the cause of lymphadenopathy, then it is better to refuse the use of "Elidel".
5. Skin soreness, numbness and tingling, dryness, swelling and peeling of the skin.
6. The development of dermatological diseases provoked by viruses. It can be herpes, skin papillomas, molluscum contagiosum, etc.
7. Change in pigmentation of the skin. In places where the cream is applied, the skin may lighten or darken.
8. Anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema, rash and other allergic reactions.
9. The use of the cream is incompatible with the use of alcoholic beverages. This combination can lead to rash, burning, itching, and swelling.
10. It is extremely rare that a cream can provoke the growth of malignant neoplasms.
In case of the above symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor. The specialist will decide on the feasibility of further use of Elidel cream.
We reviewed the instructions. Next, consider the reviews of people about this tool.
Reviews
On the Internet you can find many conflicting and mixed reviews about the cream. Consumer opinions are divided. For those advocating for Elidel, the drug helped reduce the incidence of atopic dermatitis. In all reviews, there is a quick absorption of the drug and the fact that it does not leave greasy marks. Its non-hormonal composition also attracts. Some patients note that the skin after the course of treatment with "Elidel" began to look much better. The cream has helped many better than hormonal drugs. The only drawback that is noted in the positive reviews is the cost of the drug, reaching 900 rubles for a small package.
Conclusion
Among the undoubted advantages of the drug, its safety in the treatment of children. Pediatricians often prescribe it for young children with atopic dermatitis as a safe and reliable means. Side effects are very rare and are most often associated with individual intolerance to the components.
We reviewed the instructions and reviews for the "Elidel".