Prevent Atopic Dermatitis Using Daily Tacrolimus

Skin disorders are a leading cause for reduced quality of life in many adults. If you are an adult who suffers from a chronic skin disorder, it is important to speak with your doctor about not only ways to treat the skin complications but also ways in which to prevent the skin disorder from occurring. For adults with chronic cases of atopic dermatitis, prevention is possible and consultation with a dermatologist is recommended.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that can reduce your quality of life. As a condition that causes intermediate inflammation of the skin, it is possible to prevent this skin disorder from occurring by simply using a daily dose of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment. While there are many treatments on the market that will reduce the inflammation of atopic dermatitis once it occurs, if you suffer from recurring inflammation, ask your doctor about the use of tacrolimus ointment. Typically, your doctor will prescribe this in response to a complication of the skin.

Under normal dosing for your skin flare up, your doctor will prescribe a full dose of tacrolimus ointment. But, after the atopic dermatitis has diminished, it is recommended that you continue using the ointment to prevent the visible lesions from reappearing in the most commonly affected areas of the body.

Even when using tacrolimus ointment to treat skin disorders, you may still find that your skin flares with lesions from time to time. In most dermatological patients using tacrolimus ointment, you can expect the optimal outcome of this dermatological prevention plan will not come to fruition until approximately 12 months after you've started. Therefore, be sure you can commit to using the ointment for your skin disorder for this length of time.

Side effects from using tacrolimus ointment can occur but generally they are mild and often dissipate when the amount of ointment used is reduced. If you notice any abnormal skin developments, or other side effects while using tacrolimus ointment, be sure to consult with your dermatologist as a change to your prescription may be necessary.

Skin disorders are a leading cause of health concern for many adults in the United States. While dermatology appointments often result from the complications of the skin, if you are looking for a way to prevent the development recurring atopic dermatitis, ask your dermatologist about the use of tacrolimus ointment on a regular basis for prevention of skin disease and skin lesions.

Sources: Journal of American Academy of Dermatology 2002; 46: 496-503.