Tacrolimus topical and Itching: What Users Say

• sil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2020

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "An hour after putting it on for the first time was the worst itching and burning I have felt in my life. The next day I used it, I didn’t feel anything, and it started healing my eczema right away! If you can get through your first time using it, don’t stop, keep going, it’ll help you."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2021

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "So after 18 months of pure agony, my eyes stinging and burning, trying every known cream under the sun! Can’t put makeup on. Can’t be around strong fragrances or even cook with smells that burn my eyes! I decided not to try anything for 4 months, and they got worse and worse! I was prescribed Protopic 0.1%. I tried it for a couple of days, but the burning was just so bad! So now on 0.3%, terrified of having a reaction. I was so desperate last night, as every time I put it on, the burning and the itching is so intense it makes me feel sick! But after reading the reviews on here, I am going to stick with it. I am just hoping that this helps, as I am at the end of the road now and so depressed. Please, please tell me that the burning goes away, and can anybody suggest anything that would help with it?"

• Hap...
• May 18, 2016

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "A drug may work well for some, and not so well for others. I am happy to report that Protopic is pretty much a miracle drug for me. I had developed a severe case of blepharitis, or contact dermatitis, around my eyes. They were red, itching, flaking, burning, and swollen. I looked and felt like hell. Within 24 hours, I was 75% better. And a few days later, symptoms were pretty much gone. I continued to use it for approximately 3 weeks. Now, when a symptom starts to flare up, I apply it for only a day or so to control it."

• Cla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 9, 2020

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "I've suffered very badly from atopic dermatitis on my face for about 18 months. I've used a lot of topical steroids on my face, particularly around my eyes. I became worried that I would start to get some of the side effects from them. I was extremely self-conscious about my eczema, and it had a negative effect on my confidence. I would avoid going out and seeing people. I was prescribed Protopic by a dermatologist, and it has changed my life. When I first used it, I didn't experience any of the burning or itching, but after taking a break for a few months, it was very uncomfortable when I started to use it again. My face burned and was very itchy for the first day or two of use, but the side effects disappeared after that. I completely transformed my skin within 2 to 3 days. It's amazing to finally have an option to treat eczema that isn't a steroid cream. This is an expensive medication but worth every euro. It can also be used to prevent flares if applied twice a week."

• har...
• July 31, 2010

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "My dermatologist gave me a sample of Protopic for itching eyelids. He did not caution me that it was not for eye use, as I later read on the outside of the tube. I applied it one evening to both eyelids. I spent the next 3 hours in misery from burning and itching eyes before I finally fell asleep about midnight. The only way I could get any relief was to wash my eyes with baby shampoo and water. It was terrible."

• ALF...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2013

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "My dermatologist prescribed Protopic 0.1% for a psoriasis-related rash on my face. Steroid creams would give noticeable results after one application. The Protopic took about two days before I noticed a significant difference. By the third day, I realized the Protopic was really working well. I am very happy with this medicine. It works better than the steroids without the side effects, and the effect seems to last longer. I can get by with one application every couple of days now. I do notice a little itching when using, but other than that, I have not noticed any side effects."

• Gol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2020

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "I have used this for a little over 2 months, and every time I used it, it made me more itchy. My dermatologist just recommended me to put it in the fridge for 10 minutes, and so far there is no itch, but it is more difficult to get out of the tube."

• Laz...
• December 12, 2015

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "I'm on Protopic 0.1% for only two days, and it has helped a lot, I think, in a week of daily usage two times per day, my AD will be gone. It has made HUGE improvement already. Only the first time made my skin abnormally itchy, as well as a burning sensation followed, but on my second day, these bad sensations have decreased a lot, only itches a bit. I really am excited about this medication, very grateful to the doctor who prescribed Protopic. I feel really happy at the moment, after years and years of depressed mood and damaged skin."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2020

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "I have had severe eczema just above my upper lip for three years. It has been awful and painful, and I finally sought out a dermatologist after it started getting even worse recently. Protopic has changed my life! It did feel uncomfortably hot and itchy for the first few days, but it’s not bad at all - very bearable. I recommend not reading up on it and scaring yourself and just trying it because chances are you will feel very mild side effects."

• Jos...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2023

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "I had eczema on the back of my neck and around my eyes/on my forehead for years. The only thing I could use to control it was steroid creams until I was given Protopic. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for this cream. The first night I used it, I was itching all night and felt a slight burning sensation, however, the second time I used it, I felt no side effects at all, and my skin had improved 90%. I continued to use it for a week, and my eczema had gone completely for what felt like the first time in my life. I now use it once a week to prevent flare-ups. You must give this a try!"

• Rob...
• July 9, 2016

For Atopic Dermatitis "I have used tacrolimus for a year now. My doctor switched me from steroid creams because I refused to use it due to how damaging it was to my skin. This stuff works great. I find it works just as well as steroid creams, if not better, and comes with the added benefit of not destroying the skin. Also, I've noticed once I stop using the cream after a flare-up, my eczema doesn't come back in a more aggressive form that sometimes happens with steroid-based creams. I will say though, this stuff makes you itch like crazy. Drive you insane type of itch. Sometimes I hold on for a couple of hours, then have to wash the affected skin to remove it. But if you can resist the itch, the next day brings wonders, and a couple of days brings clear skin."

• ato...
• February 28, 2013

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "I started using Protopic on Dec. 1st and alternating it with Desoximetasone per my doctor's orders. At first, the dermatitis cleared up on my hands (that would crack and bleed, and then the skin would get hard and peel off, and once it peeled off, the new skin was very tender and there was a lot of pain. Once I started using Protopic-the condition seemed to clear up 90% but never 100%-well, here it is Feb. 28th, and I have spent the entire week since Sunday in bed. I have every side effect listed-my hands itch like crazy, have a headache (worst I have ever had), my flu-like symptoms are the chills, runny nose (have gone through 2 boxes of Kleenex), sore throat. Hurts to swallow, muscle pains. Absolutely no energy/unusual tiredness."

• 123...
• April 26, 2016

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "First time I used it on a single small white spot of my vitiligo. After an hour or two, every part of my body started itching, had tingling sensations, skin got super red, and hives appeared everywhere. Never again. Can't wait for the side effects to go away."

• bny...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2020

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "I had some eczema on my ears, eyelids, neck, and forehead that I didn't want to use steroids on. So I asked my doctor for a Protopic script. My insurance wouldn't approve it, so I said whatever and paid $150 for a 60 gram tube. I'm so glad I did, as this is some great stuff and a little goes a long way. I experienced what a lot of the other reviewers did: burning and itching upon the first applications. For me personally, the itching/burning lasted a night (8 hours), it wasn't enough discomfort to make me stop using it, though I can see it being an issue for someone with really sensitive skin. After that, it cleared my face up very quickly-2 to 3 days. TIP: If you're gonna use it on multiple spots, just start on one or two and then add in extra spots as you get used to it. This way, you're not getting itchy all over at once."

• DDB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2020

For Atopic Dermatitis "I had a case of dermatitis on my left lower eyelid. I had no idea what it was, I just knew that it was itchy, swollen, and ugly. I finally saw my dermatologist, and she prescribed tacrolimus 1% ointment to use twice daily. I got the prescription on a Monday and started using it twice daily on that area. The first day was horrible, about an hour after using it, that area where applied was burning and itching so bad. I thought it was the worst product ever. It did the same thing the next day. If you get this medication, just do your best to keep using it, the dermatitis was all cleared up by Thursday night. I would definitely recommend it, but be aware of some of the side effects. Maybe you will be lucky with no side effects. I hope this review helps someone."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2021

Tacrolimus topical "My dermatologist prescribed Protopic for my vaginal lichen planus. The first application resulted in severe itching. The next days were unbearable. I couldn't go to the bathroom because of severe pain. It seems my skin is burned and the pain is all over the region. For now, I use a repairing cream, and I'll give it another try in 10 days. I am jealous of people that have never experienced the side effects. They cannot be described with words."

• EED...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2021

For Perioral Dermatitis "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."

• Dav...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 28, 2017

For Atopic Dermatitis "I've been using Protopic and tacrolimus for many years, and like most users, the first time I applied Protopic, the itching and the burning were crazy. But you get over that in a day or two and realize this ointment is a lifesaver. In fact, it is the only medicine that clears my face, and I've tried them all..."

• CDi...
• May 31, 2017

For Perioral Dermatitis "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 than that, this product works great!"

• Anonymous
• December 20, 2020

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "This definitely works, but you must stick with it! When I first put it on my skin (face and neck only), it felt extremely hot and very, VERY itchy. I thought I was having an allergic reaction to it and/or my skin flare-up was getting worse. After several hours, the itching dissipated and my skin just felt hot in the worst affected areas - this wasn’t too bad at all. The redness also cleared up and my skin started looking totally normal (as if I didn’t have eczema). Pretty amazing result."

• Jud...
• May 12, 2017

Tacrolimus topical for Perioral Dermatitis "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."

• Cee...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 4, 2021

"My dermatologist prescribed Protopic for my vaginal lichen sclerosus. The first application resulted in severe itching and burning. The next day was pretty painful. It felt like my skin was burning and raw, and I was panicking! I called my dermatologist, and she said it happens often to feel a hot burning sensation when using the medication, and eventually, it dissipates. After a couple of days, the burning sensation disappeared slowly. I have been using the ointment since as needed for over 10 years, reducing how often I would apply it until my condition was under control. Today, I still use the ointment from time to time when I feel that I get a flare-up (probably once or twice a month). This medication saved my life! I am forever grateful to the dermatologist that recommended it! After trying many different treatments, this is the only medication that worked and treated my condition successfully!"

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2018

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "This product. -_- I've had eczema for as long as I can remember, and now it's started to spread to new areas. The dermatologist prescribed this to use around the face and neck as it's not a steroid. I was aware that it initially burns the first few times...almost to the point of rather dealing with eczema over the burning. I've used it a handful of times now, as and when. It does soften the thick buildup. However, after applying, the skin is very sensitive to itching. Well...last night I itched my neck 2 hours after applying this...DO NOT DO THIS. I never knew 'burning' had levels 10 times worse than experienced. Had to scrub the area and apply a wet flannel for a good hour to calm it down. It may work, just not for the faint-hearted."

• 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."

• Mar...
• February 5, 2017

For Atopic Dermatitis "My doctor prescribed this ointment in conjunction with memetasone cream. I had a severe reaction with red, hot, weepy, itchy, thin-feeling skin that bled with the lightest scratch. Per doctor, I stopped using memetasone and just used tacrolimus, from there, skin dried up and became very scaly, still itchy, thin-feeling, and painful. The ointment also made my skin feel very dry."