It is a rarity, if not absolutely impossible, to find a person who has perfect skin all the time. This is understandable since there are so many different factors that can affect a person’s skin such as sun exposure, smoking or wearing too much make up. There are also skin conditions that appear for what seems like no reason at all, such as eczema.
Fortunately for those who suffer from such conditions, there are drugs on the market that can help them clear the path towards a cleaner, healthy-looking complexion. Elidel cream is one of many eczema treatments that do just that: clear up eczema.
Elidel cream is categorized as a topical calcineurin inhibitor medication and is available with a prescription much like many other eczema treatments. Elidel cream is only supposed to be applied to the areas of the skin that are affected by eczema and one should discontinue use once the signs of eczema disappear from the skin. Like other eczema treatments, Elidel cream should only be used for a short period of time and exactly as prescribed by a doctor. While using Elidel cream, or any kind of eczema treatments, it is best to avoid tanning beds or long periods of sun exposure. Also one should not attempt to use any type of bandage on the skin with Elidel cream on it.
All eczema treatments, actually most medications for that matter, trigger some sort of a reaction from the body when taken. The most common Elidel side effects are a warm or burning sensation on the area of the skin where the Elidel cream is applied. In most cases these Elidel side effects are not severe and will clear up in a few days. However, if one experiences such Elidel side effects for longer than a week’s time, they should contact their doctor as soon as possible.
Other Elidel side effects include; headache, symptoms of the common cold, influenza, a sore throat or a nagging cough. Keep in mind Elidel cream will not work for everyone; some people get more serious Elidel side effects like swollen glands or skin infections.
Elidel cream is good news in terms of eczema treatments, but there are other inflammatory skin disorders out there that one needs to look out for also. One of these inflammatory skin disorders is Psoriasis. Psoriasis looks like a patch of thick, red skin that is topped off with a white scale. This is what almost 80% of cases of Psoriasis look like and is actually considered to be a plaque. The most common spots on the body to get Psoriasis are the knees, elbows, nails or scalp, but it can show up anywhere. Other, less severe forms of Psoriasis are either red patches or little red bumps, similar to many other inflammatory skin disorders.
As is the norm with inflammatory skin disorders and eczema treatments alike, Psoriasis is mainly treated with the use of topical creams. However, ultraviolet lights or pills can be used for more severe cases. One topical cream that can be used to treat mild cases of Psoriasis is Elidel cream. Elidel cream is recommended for use on the face or in the folds of the groin mainly, because it may not be strong enough to penetrate thick patches of plaque Psoriasis on other parts of the body.
The best thing about Elidel cream is it is natural; the active ingredient in Elidel cream actually comes from a type of fungus. Elidel cream is a safe bet for anyone suffering from eczema as long as it is taken as directed. To many people, looks are very important and they do whatever it takes to keep their complexion in tip-top shape. Elidel cream is just there to aid the process.
Jackie Hogan, MS, RD is a registered dietitian based in Los Angeles. She is a member of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND-LAD) and the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Practice Group and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Jackie has been featured on Women’s Health, Fitness Magazine, Women’s Fitness, and Men’s Fitness magazine.
