A Short-Term Trial of Tacrolimus Ointment for Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disease with a chronically relapsing course, is characterized by episodes of intense pruritus, lichenification, severely dry skin, and a susceptibility to cutaneous infections. 1 – 3 There is currently no safe alternative to the topical application of corticosteroids for the control of acute episodes of atopic dermatitis. Although topical corticosteroids are generally well tolerated, they commonly cause skin atrophy and less frequently cause hypopigmentation, secondary infections, and acne. 4 Topical cyclosporine has been investigated as an alternative treatment in patients with atopic dermatitis and other dermatoses, but these studies have met with little success, presumably because of inadequate . . .