Tacrolimus topical and Burning: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2020

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "Patches, newer outbreak of atopic dermatitis not going away with desonide cream. Nasty breakout on right bicep and contact with that side of my body. You can feel and see heavy blotchy lines. Tried Protopic ointment this evening for the first time (Day 1), and yes, I experienced the initial painful itching and burning experienced by so many. I put ice in a baggie directly on the affected areas and instant relief, although it probably dilutes the Protopic strength. I keep on icing as needed. I will do as so many of you recommend and hang in with it for a spell. I'm thinking twice a day until cleared. Thanks so much. I will report back on progress soon."

• myx...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 14, 2023

For Perioral Dermatitis "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."

• She...
• January 4, 2023

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "It’s only been 5 days, but the itching and burning this stuff caused made me want to rip my skin off. So far, no miracle improvement that others have reported. If anything, the rash looks and feels worse."

• kdu...
• January 14, 2019

For Atopic Dermatitis "I've had eczema for my entire life, but it started getting really bad around my eyes in the last year. It was super dry and flaky, and nothing seemed to work. I tried tacrolimus, and the first night I put it on, it burned and itched so bad. When I woke up the next morning, it was still mildly burning, but after two more uses, all symptoms stopped and my eczema began to clear. My face was clear within 5 uses, but I continue to use it every night. This ointment isn't any gooier than steroid creams I have been prescribed, and it actually works."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2021

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "Burning sensation worsened over about 5 days of use. None the first time, then a bit after application, and now a severe delayed reaction (the next day, so I can't just wash it off), nearly constant, and worsened with water. Feels like exposure to jalapenos on sensitive skin, like near the eyes. Hasn't had any effect on my eczema yet either. Can't stick it out to see if it gets better."

• sta...
• April 25, 2016

For Atopic Dermatitis "I have suffered like many others for years with rubbish skin. Had every steroid under the sun but wanted to try and stop the problem from happening in the first place. I was prescribed Protopic. Yes, at first it burns like hell, but that to me is it working, and I suffer it. As I continue to use it, this burning doesn't happen, and it has left me with lovely skin. I have found, however, that I did not apply on the Thursday and had some alcohol on the Friday, thinking the cream would be out of my system, but definitely not! My face became very flushed when I started drinking, but then calmed down. My eyelids and the area around the eye were completely swollen the following morning and have just got worse.... will need to monitor this."

• Onc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2017

For Atopic Dermatitis "I think I was suffering from topical steroid withdrawal and tried to get off of them once my skin was dry, red, and flaky. I thought I was out of options until I remembered the Protopic generic, tacrolimus. I asked my doctor about it, and she was able to prescribe it to me. So far, it's cleared up my skin, although I do have red skin on my thighs. I get itchy and keep causing more eczema or sores due to scratching, and I'm unaware of the allergens causing it. It does burn, and I'm odd, I think it feels good sometimes, especially in the winter. I recommend it for eczema sufferers because I've used it in the past, and it's worked, and as an adult now, it's working again for me. Topical steroids have failed me."

• AVa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2019

For Atopic Dermatitis "I've been dealing with perioral dermatitis and eczema on my face since June 2018. My face blew up after topical steroids were applied for what I thought was eczema. Fast forward to now, January 21, 2019, my skin is literally clear. I tried EVERYTHING. I spent so much money. I did take a round of prednisone in August, and that helped a lot, but I was still getting these crazy flares. This ointment has been a life changer. It does burn and sometimes it’s for the first two applications...but trust me, it will get better. This is the first time in over six months that I have been rash and itch free. I also use Specto gel face soap."

• itc...
• April 25, 2013

For Atopic Dermatitis "I was prescribed Protopic for atopic dermatitis on my eyelids, which had been kicking around my eyelids for about 4 months, really irritating. The first application definitely was on the hot/burning side for about 12 hours, the second and third applications were not. The atopic dermatitis appears to be improving. Also, I do not know if it was coincidental, but I woke up at 4 AM with a heavy migraine and then got sick. That may have been from the meal I ate at 9 PM, some sort of food poisoning, because I had gas all day long and the food did all come up. Don't know, but I am fine 24 hours later."

• Blo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2022

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "I went camping over Memorial Day at our ranch... Long story short, it's Oklahoma, it's summer, IT'S CHIGGER TIME! Got torn up on my genitals. After an appointment at Urgent Care and a negative STD test for herpes, the clap, syphilis, etc., the doctor gave me some antibiotics (Cephalexin 500mg x 4 daily & Hydroxyzine). After 4 days, all looked promising, ran out of antibiotics... All resumed. After 3 days of swearing I would castrate myself just to stop the itch... Went to a dermatologist. Same tests for STDs all over again, but was given more antibiotics and 0.1% Protopic. Put on at 12:05 pm after picking up from the pharmacy. About 7:00 pm my penis was burning."

• Hg6...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 13, 2019

For Atopic Dermatitis "Ok, so I’ve been using this tacrolimus cream since I was younger, probably around 15 years old. I used it for a while, and eventually, my eczema went away, but I had my first child in 2018 at 19 years old, and afterwards, the eczema came back on me hard. So I requested this medication again. Yes, it DOES burn when you first start using it. Your skin needs to get used to it. Your face will be very sensitive to light. Once your body gets used to it, it works WONDERS. You will notice your face clearing up very quickly and feeling so much better. I use it every day on the skin on the creases of my nose and above my lip. My skin has gotten so used to it that it rarely burns, and if it does, it’s only for about 5 whole seconds after applying. This is my lifesaver all year long, and especially once the air gets dry. It does not cure, only helps."

• boo...
• January 31, 2018

For Atopic Dermatitis "This medication feels like putting salt in a wound. I was prescribed this for severe hand eczema after steroids failed to control it. I would rather not be treated at all than suffer the two hours of intense burning pain and swelling that happens with every application. My skin is worse after using this."

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2018

For Atopic Dermatitis "The doctor prescribed me this ointment a couple of weeks ago. I finally decided to use it after several weeks. Within minutes of applying the ointment to my skin, it burned my skin so bad. I literally was shaking as I tried to fall asleep with the excruciating burning. I blistered all over my arms, and it was horrible. Showering hurt like anything. Don't get it if you have very, very sensitive skin."

• Fra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2023

"My dermatologist recommended keeping this in the fridge. That seems to prevent the burning sensation others report. I’ve not had any problems with that. Using this for rosacea and it’s a slow process but working. Two weeks on, two weeks off, with low dose doxycycline the whole time."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2020

For Atopic Dermatitis "Well, most of the comments on here are written by lucky, lucky people. It didn’t "cure" me in 2 days. I’m 2 weeks in, and there is only a tiny bit of positive change on ONE of my 16 patches (and it’s ON MY FACE, so I was very hopeful). Lucky you if it works in 2 days-if it’s true, I totally envy you. It does itch and burn the first few days, but you’ll get through it. My skin felt very hot as well, even after 10 hours and more from the application. It’s still itching a bit now; it made some of my patches very red and raw. I almost gave up a few times, but I will continue to use it twice a day until I have my skin biopsy result in 10 days. Oh, and if you are in Canada and don’t have insurance, this product costs around $100 (a heads-up is always good, especially when spending that much money for something that doesn’t work in 2 days like all of these people said)."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2020

For Atopic Dermatitis "Tacrolimus really helps with eye dermatitis, so I’ll give it a 3 for that since it clears it up and clears up the swelling and puffiness under my eyes. But the only thing is it burns when applied, it feels like I’m putting hot coals under my eyes, and when I go to sleep, my eyes start watering and burning when I close my eyes, and this still happens when I haven’t used it for a week or more."

• mon...
• May 7, 2019

For Atopic Dermatitis "My eczema has worsened to areas around my eyes and neck, which was so embarrassing I stayed home and didn't work for months. I tried many prescribed antibiotics, steroids, new soaps, lotions, creams - my list is as long as yours. Finally, I tried Tacrolimus 0.03% for the eczema and experienced insane itch and burn at the sites applied - like extreme! Scratching and sweating made it even worse. But sure enough, after 2-3 days of use, the sites cleared. I was instructed at first to use the Tacro only to 'break the cycle,' but after recurring breakouts on off days, I use it in a preventive manner as well. The black label is a little scary, but my doctors have assured me that this is the best option and is safe to use. Overall, the side effects are terrible, but so is the eczema, so why not give it a try? My insurance covers most of the cost (although I'm told the 0.1% is more difficult to get covered), and I paid $10 out of pocket."

• Ste...
• March 28, 2018

Tacrolimus topical for Perioral Dermatitis "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 pack on my face and hold ice during the 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...."

• d61...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2022

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "2/4/22 I woke up to red, swollen eyes. I went to my primary care doctor, who prescribed prednisone. The medication made the swelling go away. When I was done with the steroids, the swelling would immediately come back. I was on 3 rounds of steroids, including a steroid shot. My doctor could not determine the cause of the swelling. I was sent to see a dermatologist, rheumatologist, and allergist. All of my blood work came back negative for an autoimmune disease (they thought the swelling was possibly lupus). The allergist finally prescribed Protopic last week. It was very expensive, not covered by insurance, but I was willing to try anything. I needed to get off steroids since I had been on them since February. I started the Protopic Tuesday, and this is Thursday, and my eyes look like they are improving. When I apply the ointment, it does burn and itch, but it is manageable for me. If it helps stop the swelling and I don't have to miss work, then I will deal with the minor side effect."

• BaJ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2022

For Atopic Dermatitis "I went through TSW (topical steroid withdrawal) in June 2017 for two years. I then had really great skin for three years until I ended up with a skin infection, and the hospital gave me oral corticosteroid (Prednisone), which caused a complete head-to-toe relapse of red skin syndrome. After three years of using nothing but a little moisturizer, I was back to square one. The hospital specialist then prescribed Zematop 0.1% ointment. I have never experienced anything that burns like this on the first application. Second application, less burning, third, hardly any burning. The red skin is now subsiding, and the dryness is fading, and I'm only two days in. This cream really does seem to work. I wish this was available in my country back in 2017 as I would have used it to treat TSW."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2021

For Atopic Dermatitis "I had a really bad flare-up on my eyes and face for the first time, and I'm 31. A doctor prescribed me tacrolimus, and I had no idea about the side effects. I was told to only use it on my eyelids, so that's what I did. As soon as it started burning, I tried rubbing it off. But that didn't work. So for a whole 24 hours, it was burning and hot. There was no way I could continue to use it. So I just used it once. But my eyelid eczema went away and hasn't come back. It's been 2 months, and my eyes are back to normal. Now I'm thinking of using it on my neck eczema. Wish me luck."

• Roj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 26, 2021

For Atopic Dermatitis "It initially worked, but I was so sensitive to the sun, it felt like my skin was burning wherever I applied it. It felt like it stayed on my skin for a few days after one application. Then it stopped working. Avoid at all costs."

• Sal...
• October 19, 2021

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "Was prescribed this cream after suffering with really bad eczema on my face. After a week, my eczema went away but started getting really bad acne, which I’ve never had before. It also made my skin tingle and burn. It works, but the side effects aren’t worth it."

• Kev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 3, 2021

For Atopic Dermatitis "I was going to use Dupixent but didn’t like the cost, injections, and side effects. I opted instead for tacrolimus ointment (0.1%). The severe burning stopped after 24 hours, and now no problems. Cold packs helped, and I also bought a humidifier, although I don’t know if it’s made a difference. I also read aspirin provides relief from the burning sensation, so I tried that too. My skin (face, neck) looks and feels much better after 2 days, so it appears to be working for me. I hope this helps."

• jew...
• March 17, 2018

For Atopic Dermatitis "After using triamcinolone and then betamethasone dipropionate last night, I used Protopic generic 0.1. I thought I would go out of my mind. I have red spots on both arms, the back part of my neck, and my chest. The burning and itching were so severe. I had to take 2 generic Valiums, Allegra 24, and Advil with ice packs to help calm it down. Developed more redness under my left breast, which got redder. I'm afraid to put it on today, Saturday. I also found out I have a nickel cobalt allergy. I'm so depressed. I just lost my 16-year-old Yorkie last week, so I'm stressed more. These doctors prescribe and don't treat you."