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Pimecrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis User Reviews

Brand names: Elidel

Rating: 6.5

Pimecrolimus topical has an average rating of 6.5 out of 10 from a total of 24 reviews for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. 63% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 33% reported a negative experience.

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Reviews for Pimecrolimus topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Mea...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 25, 2018

Pimecrolimus topical "I have atopic dermatitis, and I've had it for my whole life. I was miserable, so my doctor prescribed me Elidel. It made me worse. It made me peel really bad, like huge chunks of skin would fall off of my body. It also dried out my skin. I will never use this again."

1 / 10
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26 Report
  • Jim...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 20, 2023

Pimecrolimus topical "I have seborrheic dermatitis and was prescribed hydrocortisone by my GP at first because he wasn't sure what it was (which did help but it's steroid-based). He referred me to a dermatologist who identified what it really was and he prescribed me Elidel. I did my research on what Elidel is like and I was aware that it's been 'possibly' linked to skin cancer and lymphoma with prolonged use. I used Elidel twice a day for three days and my symptoms have completely disappeared. I'm quite aware that I have the condition for life and I'm expecting the symptoms to return, in which case I'll reuse Elidel for a couple of days. For me personally, 100% successful with no side effects whatsoever. But I do not use it every day, only when necessary. It's also probably worth noting that I have a very mild form of seborrheic dermatitis (i.e., red flushing of the face, neck, and chest). I now look normal again and it's given me my confidence back to be seen out in public once more."

10 / 10
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8 Report
  • Bru...
  • June 13, 2015

Pimecrolimus topical "Sudden attacks of agonizing atopic dermatitis that resisted all cortisone creams. My dermatologist prescribed Elidel, and it worked! No side effects except my great delight and relief. Now, as another attack has arrived, I paid the outrageous price for a tube, but that side effect is small due to its efficacy."

10 / 10
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24 Report
  • Day...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 13, 2017

Pimecrolimus topical "I suffer from severe atopic dermatitis. I went to several dermatologists before they could figure out my condition. I tried several creams and ointments, but they all burned and made the skin red and swollen. Then it would all flake away and become inflamed again. In 5 days of using Elidel, my skin is clearer than it's been in months! It doesn't burn going on the skin (I keep it in the fridge), and it feels smooth going on. Definitely apply a moisturizer after application. Elidel has been a godsend!! I hope it works for everyone else. Elidel is very expensive."

10 / 10
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20 Report
  • Ste...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 9, 2015

Pimecrolimus topical "I was getting persistent breakouts (atopic dermatitis) on my face, especially after shaving. I first began using prescription-strength hydrocortisone cream and other steroid creams, but after a while, they lost their effectiveness and began making my skin worse. And it caused thinning of my skin. I eventually started using Elidel, and my skin significantly improved right away. Elidel caused no adverse reactions. I barely need to use Elidel anymore. Elidel was initially not covered by my insurance. However, my dermatologist was able to obtain prior authorization by submitting records showing that steroid creams did not work."

10 / 10
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19 Report

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  • Tom...
  • November 19, 2017

Pimecrolimus topical "I was prescribed this cream by a consultant dermatologist. I used it on my eyebrows on and off for some 5-6 months. Recently, my glands on one side of my neck have swollen. I don't have a cold or flu or any other symptoms of any viral infection, apart from a reddening of my throat. My GP prescribed some antibiotics, which don't seem to have done much. I still have a sharp pain when I breathe in quickly through my nose or lie on that side of my neck in bed. I haven't used this since and don't intend to use it again, nor do I trust the pharma industry."

1 / 10
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15 Report
  • Flo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 4, 2017

Pimecrolimus topical "Elidel, used in conjunction with applying Nizoral shampoo on my face for 7 minutes every day (as directed by my dermatologist - apply twice a week after 7 days), has almost completely cleared the dermatitis on my face and neck within a week. I now look normal and feel like I might finally have my life back again after years of struggling with steroid creams that eventually stopped working and, more recently, being off work and not leaving the house due to looking like a leper! No burning or stinging for me. Long may this phase continue."

9 / 10
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15 Report
  • cat...
  • June 12, 2016

Pimecrolimus topical "Unfortunately, I am a large-breasted woman, breastfed three sons, so it's no wonder under my breasts became sensitive when I reached my 40s. My primary doctor gave me creams and eventually steroid cream, which also thinned my skin as well (I see others had the same issue). The dermatologist gave me Zeasorb powder, which strangely enough is sold for athlete's foot, and then the Elidel cream, which was 30 bucks for a small tube! However, after using it for a week, the rash is completely gone for the first time in over three years. Next time, I'll go right to the dermatologist for skin issues. I had no side effects."

10 / 10
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14 Report
  • Nat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 12, 2025

Pimecrolimus topical "I was worried about using this cream as I had heard that once you stop, your dermatitis will come back. I used the cream twice a day for 2 weeks, and now it’s been 5 days since I stopped, and the dermatitis hasn’t come back! I’m feeling happy and hopeful! I don’t think my dermatitis was allergy-related (I’ve never had it before, and it was only on 1 eyelid). This is the only thing that helped (I didn’t try steroid cream)."

9 / 10
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1 Report
  • ffe...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 6, 2021

Pimecrolimus topical "I am horrified by this cream. I developed a rash on my face all around my eyes from a paint allergy, and the doctor gave me this cream. I used it once lightly, and an hour later, my entire face was burning, and my eyes were watering non-stop. I woke up the next day, and my eyes were all swollen and irritated. Rash symptoms were gone, but my face was now red and swollen. The day after, my eyes were still swollen, and I can see a red mark on my face that outlines where I had put the cream. I look worse than when I actually had the rash. I am horrified that this is a genuine normal side effect of this cream. Please be careful, I will never, ever touch this stuff again."

1 / 10
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6 Report
  • Cha...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 27, 2021

Pimecrolimus topical "If you use Elidel to ward off flare-ups and keep them controlled until they go away (which they do), then back off on the application until you need it again, then this produces the best results. I would never apply this daily unless I had the rash. Once the rash is gone, I stop application until another flare-up."

8 / 10
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7 Report
  • Yur...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 2, 2017

Pimecrolimus topical "The physician was wary of keeping me on steroids on my face since the dermatitis and eczema were still coming back. She gave me Elidel, and it worked really well, things cleared up within a few days. Initial side effects were application burning and itching, but my skin got used to it, and I don't get that anymore. I kept on it for several weeks, and the dermatitis didn't return by itself. I still use it for any missed spots of eczema or dermatitis that flare up. It's safe to use on top of my Avar LS wash, so now lots of my dermatitis and eczema are under control with this combo. A personal positive side effect is that it inhibited hair growth on my upper lip where I used it."

9 / 10
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9 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 19, 2018

Pimecrolimus topical "I had seborrheic dermatitis constantly for a number of years, however, coming across Elidel cream, we have been able to counteract the effects by using an autoimmune cream which will rectify the effects of dry, rashy skin."

10 / 10
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9 Report
  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 21, 2021

Pimecrolimus topical "Absolutely amazing. Daughter aged 12 has suffered with seborrheic dermatitis for about 3 years. I have tried literally every OTC cream available. Prescription topical steroids do work but only if used almost daily, which is not great on such young skin. Was prescribed Elidel by a private dermatologist and told it is slow to work. Day 2, and her skin had almost cleared entirely, giving her back her confidence immediately. Not even a week in, and applying twice a day, she now has clear skin and is so happy. I paid just over £30 on a private prescription, and it was worth every penny."

10 / 10
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3 Report
  • Bil...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 21, 2021

Pimecrolimus topical "I suffered with itchy, red, flaking skin around my eyelids for years. I had always just used a moisturizer and cortisone to try and keep it in check. I was prescribed Elidel recently, and it works great. Initially, I could not stand the side effects: hot, burning, itching sensation after applying a small amount. I would also get a stuffy nose after use. Going into the shower seemed to aggravate the side effects even more, with a really hot feeling on my eyelids. HOWEVER, after just a couple days' usage, my eyelids cleared up. Now, I only need to use it for flare-ups. Also, the side effects don’t seem as bad now in subsequent uses… maybe the body adjusts to the med. Very happy with the results of this med."

9 / 10
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3 Report
  • Ang...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 13, 2022

Pimecrolimus topical "I was prescribed this medicine by my doctor. After a year of taking this, it caused my hands to be disfigured, discolored, burning, itchy, bleeding, scaly, autoimmune issues, split, cracked, oozing, edema, numbness, tingling, red, patchy, asthma, respiratory issues, tiredness, extreme exhaustion, infections, headaches, and large golf ball-sized lymph nodes. I'm seeking a lawyer because I'm disabled from this sham of a medication! It is very dangerous, and y'all better stop taking it!"

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • Hig...
  • March 3, 2016

Pimecrolimus topical "Dermatologist prescribed Elidel for facial itching, burning, redness plus swelling, dryness, cold sore, especially serious scaling around the mouth & on lips. I have had all kinds of skin cancer on my face, legs & chest, plus a melanoma on my thigh. When I read the side effects on your site & others, I chose not to use Elidel. It was too risky for me. I am an 81-yr-young female. Due to the extreme burning of most of my face, I rubbed it with ice cubes, which gave me awesome relief, enabled me to sleep without itching & scratching. Outbreak cleared up within 2 weeks."

1 / 10
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13 Report
  • TEi...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 6, 2020

"If you suffer from atopic dermatitis/severe eczema, then you should give pimecrolimus 1% cream a shot. I was prescribed the pimecrolimus 1% cream, and it started working within a day. The side effects were horrible on day 1 and day 2, but they lessened as the days went by. In a week, I saw huge improvements with my skin. Out of all the prescriptions I've had in the past, I believe this one was the best!"

10 / 10
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1 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 3, 2013

Pimecrolimus topical "Within twenty-four hours of using this cream, I saw significant improvement in my symptoms! Wonder cream, YES!"

8 / 10
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37 Report
  • Kas...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 18, 2018

Pimecrolimus topical "Didn’t work. Ended up with severe side effects, i.e., fever, headache, muscle stiffness, nasal congestion, numbness in hands and legs, heart burning, etc."

1 / 10
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12 Report
  • thi...
  • September 19, 2020

Pimecrolimus topical "I used this product, Elidel, for about a year, and it ended up making everything worse and giving me extreme skin discoloration. Now the skin on my face looks like a zebra. Please don't use this."

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Ros...
  • February 6, 2016

Pimecrolimus topical "My daughter has been suffering from severe dermatitis for several years. Our doctor recommended Elidel, and surprisingly, her dermatitis cleared in 2 days."

9 / 10
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8 Report
  • Edn...
  • July 25, 2021

Pimecrolimus topical "My 1-year-old was prescribed Elidel. It made his skin redder, more sensitive to scratches, it looks swollen. After a week of use, it looks so much worse than how it was."

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • wgr...
  • July 18, 2011

"Pimecrolimus seems to work, but I have to use it twice a day, which is okay. It burned for about the first 2 weeks (I have atopic dermatitis on my eyelids), but it does not burn anymore."

7 / 10
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1 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.

Learn more about Atopic Dermatitis

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