The topical calcineurin inhibitor pimecrolimus in atopic dermatitis: a safety update

Abstract

Atopic eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a relapsing and remitting course. For many decades,topical corticosteroids have been the mainstay therapy for atopic dermatitis. After the introduction of calcineurin inhibitors as a corticosteroid-free alternative, there were high expectations. After the black box warning from the FDA regarding the potential theoretical risk for developing neoplasia under treatment with calcineurin inhibitors, patients and physicians became uncertain about its safety, regardless of the fact that current scientific data do not support increased concern for risk of malignancy.