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Tacrolimus topical for Perioral Dermatitis User Reviews

Brand names: Protopic, Tacrus

Tacrolimus topical has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 18 reviews for the off-label treatment of Perioral Dermatitis. 61% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 22% reported a negative experience.

Tacrolimus topical rating summary

7.1/10 average rating

18 ratings from 19 user reviews.

Compare all 56 medications used in the treatment of Perioral Dermatitis.

10
33%
9
17%
8
11%
7
11%
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6%
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0%
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2
6%
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17%

Reviews for Tacrolimus topical

  • sez
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 25, 2020

Protopic (tacrolimus) "By far the best medication I have used. I started to get very dry, very rough and very red skin on the area around my lips. This progressively got worse and started to spread and no matter what moisturisers I used or what I did nothing helped at all. I was very self conscious of this with it being on my face. The first use of this cream made my skin slightly hot and some slight tingling but nothing bad at all and wow by the morning when I woke the redness was almost gone. On the second application it has all but gone. This cream is absolutely amazing and has given me my confidence back. If your in two minds whether to get this please do it will be the best decision."

10 / 10
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34 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 2, 2024

"I've had perioral dermatitis for around 4 months and it was really red around my mouth, nose, and chin area. My own fault as I used a strong steroid to try and treat my eczema. Tried emollient, moisturizers, and 2 months on antibiotics with little to no effect. Saw a dermatologist who prescribed Tacrolimus Protopic 0.1% and so far it's been amazing. The first day trying it, it was nearly unbearable. Made my face even redder (which I didn't think was possible!) burned and itched so badly but I trusted the process and continued with it. The next night it was more of a warm tingling feeling and by the 3rd day my perioral dermatitis was nearly gone! It's been a week now and my face isn't completely healed but it's 80% there which is incredible considering I've spent months trying to get rid of it. It still feels slightly warm and tingly when applied but this isn't uncomfortable at all. I've nearly got my face back from this horrible condition and would definitely recommend it. Stick with it!"

8 / 10
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3 Report
  • Pana
  • June 28, 2020

Protopic (tacrolimus) "I was prescribed protopic for mild seborrheic dermatitis only on the left side of my face. When I first used it it didn’t bring redness or burning sensation straightaway. The burning started within 24 hours and it was intense. I felt my face burning for a long time but I persisted using it the next days thinking that the side effects would eventually go away. It brought me almost all the side effects: burning eyes, runny nose, headache the first few days. The redness and burning was after every application every single day. I was feeling my skin really sensitive and warm and was flushing bright red every single day even when I didn’t have it on. (I was using it only nights). I used it for 7 days with intense side effects and I decided to stop it. It decreased the peeling of the scales, but rather than that it made my skin fragile on the areas I applied it. I don’t recommend protopic for those with sensitive skin like me and I will definitely not gonna use it again."

2 / 10
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19 Report
  • Soove...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 23, 2020

Protopic (tacrolimus) "I've had this dermatitis stuff on my face for 3 months. Scaling , lesions, red scales, and bumpy texture. I exhausted all the zoles and every treatment under the moon! After 1 day major improvement and scales are coming off, red areas are lighter and no longer burning. With Seborrhoeic Dermatitis burning is constant so after reading the reviews I was scared to say the least. However I had no burning, no tears, no jumping up and down in pain! Don't let the negative reviews scare you! Just try it!"

10 / 10
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11 Report
  • BBaby
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 4, 2019

Protopic (tacrolimus) "Developed perioral dermatitis because of topical steroid use on my face. I have had 20 years experience with eczema. I only use SLS free facial and body products so I have maintained good skin habits for a looong time. Moisture is key. There are many brands that help tremendously with the condition. Stop using steroids on your face right now if you are. I went to see my dermatologist who prescribed Protopic and antibiotics, combined with emollient use and Rupanase antihistamine. I was expecting severe burning as per reviews but honestly only a few headaches and slight tingling all over. I know it is early days but really just see your dermatologist. Price is just quite high but what is the comfort of your skin worth if it works well? Keep moisturizing and cleansing with the correct products every day."

8 / 10
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10 Report

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  • Stenia
  • March 28, 2018

Protopic (tacrolimus) "I had a very bad experience after applying the Protopic ointment on my cheeks and chin two times only. I paid $92.00 for a tube of 30g and can't use it because I got a huge burning sensation all over my face for 3 days and 3 nights. I had to sleep with an ice on my face and holding ice during a day. It looks like I was allergic to it and the horrible Pharmacy in Vancouver, BC would not give me my money back. I would never recommend this medication to anybody!!! I went to see my other clinic doctor, who said that Protopic tacrolimus 0.1% ointment is very strong. He gave me a mild compounded cream instead. I lost the money on Protopic 0.1% ointment and had to pay for my new cream again. Unbelievable...."

1 / 10
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12 Report
  • CDion
  • May 31, 2017

"The first time you apply, you will have one INTENSE itching and burning sensation to the area. My area was around the nose and mouth area.. Keep applying the crème since this side effect will subside after a few days. I did feel some tingling in my lips area after the area healed. Other then that, this product works great!!!"

9 / 10
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13 Report
  • Jude
  • May 12, 2017

Protopic (tacrolimus) "I've been using Protopic (0.1% ointment) for about six years to treat facial seborrheic dermatitis. On the plus side, Protopic ended five miserable years of itching, redness and burning that no cream seemed to help, and for that reason I am truly thankful. On the downside, it's very greasy (similar to Vaseline) which means it stays on the skin all day if applied in the morning. Drinking alcohol is a definite no-no too, as a tiny amount causes an awful reaction, making the skin immediately burn bright red. Annoyingly, if I don't use Protopic for about two weeks, when I reapply it the skin burns and itches intensely for a few hours (REALLY uncomfortable). Using it more often, say twice a week, does however resolve this problem."

7 / 10
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11 Report
  • EED
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 21, 2021

"My perioral dermatitis began as a few small papules in the corner of my mouth, I started using a corticosteroid on it that I’d been prescribed for a different skin issue, and it went away… then came back a bit worse… and so began the cycle. I soon learned that I SHOULD NOT HAVE USED A CORTICOSTEROID!!! By the time I got to my Dr the papules had changed to dry red patchy skin around my mouth and chin, he prescribed Tacrolimus 0.1%. The warnings kind of scared me but I used it carefully and sparingly, the first night it tingled and itched but the difference after 3 days was amazing! After 3 days of usage I haven’t had any burning, redness is now minimal and it looks like my dermatitis will be gone in another 3-4 days. I will say that my skin constantly feels warm and tingly, it’s not unpleasant though."

9 / 10
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5 Report
  • ZBano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 12, 2021

Protopic (tacrolimus) "Absolutely amazing. Suffered from eczema since I was a year old. Had a flare up recently on my face and steriod ointment did not work. Dr prescribed me with protopic. It burned for a day but the second day I saw amazing results! Redness dryness and itching and burning was gone. 4th day my face is smooth and much calmer. This stuff definitely works."

10 / 10
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6 Report
  • chez
  • July 24, 2016

"About a year ago, I developed a white patch close to my mouth (vitiligo) about 1 cm in diameter. I ignored it for a few months hoping that it would go away, but when then I went on holiday to the beach and the strong sun made it bigger and more evident. Moreover, three additional spots appeared on my chin. When I got back I went to dermatologist who said it was vitiligo and prescribed protopic 0.1 (tacrolimus) and within a month the first large spot had gone. I still have the little spots on my chin, but they are getting smaller (it has been 3 months now, but I am still hopeful). If you have vitiligo on your face and it's not widespread it may work for you too, but do consult a doctor, since the drug is not officially recognised as a cure for vitiligo"

9 / 10
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9 Report
  • myxx
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 14, 2023

"I have perioral dermatitis which gets very bad around my mouth and can lead to burning, tight skin, making it hard to eat, and so on. I had a crying session for a day or two because it was just that bad. I reached out to a dermatologist who prescribed this medication - I got the 0.1% ointment. It has been wonderful for me. I was able to get off the medication for a while (since my dermatitis only really acts up during the change of seasons, I can use it once a month for good measure). I forget that I have perioral dermatitis. I love this product. I know that a lot of people have a hard time with it, and to that, I say if you're supposed to go on it, just use very little on a wet face and top it off with your moisturizer and see how it goes. Right now, I start with a very damp face, use a toner, then the ointment, then my moisturizer, and then an oil. But when you first go on this, I would say keep it minimal. And stop drinking milk!"

10 / 10
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2 Report
  • Kone
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 20, 2018

Protopic (tacrolimus) "I'm using this to prevent pitiriasis alba as a result of ezcema. Protopic is very greasy, so I use it at night only, and only on affected spots every few days (when needed). It takes away all signs of my eczema within a few days, and I haven't had a single spot of pitiriasis alba since using it. I haven't noticed any side effects or burning. Corticosteroids had no impact on my eczema whatsoever. Love this product."

10 / 10
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4 Report
  • ltmash
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 7, 2021

Protopic (tacrolimus) "Used for 3 weeks morning and night to help my perioral dermatitis. Every time I drank even a small glass of wine the areas I had applied the ointment to began to burn and turned bright red. Even now, 3 days since I’ve used any cream at all the same reaction occurs. Does anyone know when this will stop happening?! It did clear my skin but I’m worried the effects were damaging"

7 / 10
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2 Report
  • Grambo
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 26, 2023

Protopic (tacrolimus) "This stuff was amazing for my child. The doctor first recommended Polysporin but it did nothing. The next recommendation was Protopic and within three days of applying it twice a day as instructed, the dermatitis was almost gone."

10 / 10
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1 Report
  • Tacro...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 2, 2023

"I have been using this for six months along with antibiotics. Around the outside of my lips have recovered. My lips however have not. If I stop using either meds I get full swollen and peeling again. I have been living with this for 18 months and constant burning swollen red lips."

1 / 10
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0 Report
  • rose...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 9, 2018

Protopic (tacrolimus) "I have used protopic for my lupus rash and it has help me with the itching and help me I am very happy with ointment"

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6 Report
  • Kanik...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 28, 2017

"I have periorial dermatitis. The rash has worsened. My face looks horrible. There is itching, burning and redness."

1 / 10
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6 Report
  • Corey
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 3, 2018

Protopic (tacrolimus) "Works great on some areas. Inverse area where there is sensitive skin like armpits, groin maybe it might work if it didn’t cause an unbearable itch and burning causing more damage."

6 / 10
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5 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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