The following applies to Elidel (Pimecrolimus Topical), Protopic (Tacrolimus Topical) and some Corticosteroids prescribed for skin challenges.
A question that comes up quite often is “Should I use Protopic?” or perhaps “Should I use Elidel?” and then the question continues “… while using UVB Narrow Band?”.
Generally speaking, any drug or cream should be avoided and not be applied immediately before or during UVB Narrow Band treatment. Elidel and Protopic and most other things you apply to your skin, change the skin’s sensitivity to UV light. Some drugs increase your sensitivity (Psoralens & others) while others reduce your skin’s sensitivity (sun blocks and the like). All of these should be avoided UNLESS SPECIFICALLY PRESCRIBED by your Dermatologist.
I do recommend that if Protopic, Elidel or other Corticosteroid has been prescribed that you use it following UV treatment or on the alternate days. Do not apply these creams before treatment UNLESS SPECIFICALLY PRESCRIBED by your Dermatologist. It is not safe to apply these creams before treatment as they can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV light and increase the risk of severe erythema (sunburn).
Do no assume that you know more than your dermatologist!
Avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds, and phototherapy treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you must be outdoors, wear loose clothing over the skin areas treated with Protopic. Do not use sunscreen on treated skin unless your doctor has told you to.
- Read more: http://www.drugs.com/protopic.html
- Read more: http://www.drugs.com/elidel.html
Hi Mr. Cane,
I was going under treatment for vitiligo at Emory (years ago) with the liquid solution the light treatment, like a stand up tanning machine, but my insurance stopped it because of course they stayed it was cosmetic; however, it was stop before I could see any result but months maybe a year after the treatment I started seeing brown spots appear in the area (under my right eye, side of my cheek behind my ear all on the right side) then the spots became one dark spot (darker than my nature skin color) in area. Everyone thought I was burned. What can I do about this? Should I use the narrow band treatment?
My guess is that you were undergoing PUVA treatment, that’s UVA (Long Wave Length UV) and a ‘P’soralen drug/liquid at the same time. PUVA is still used at some clinics, generally where UVB Narrow band is not available. Some derms will use PUVA and UVB NB at different times with the same patient to create a change in treatment regimen sometimes starting re-pigmentation.
From what I’ve seen, many people while undergoing treatment find that the freckling that starts in the white areas sometimes comes in with a darker color and then gradually melds with the regular skin around the white area.
Having this occur a year or more after treatment makes me think that the two things are not related. You will need to discuss this with your dermatologist I’m afraid as I simply do not know what’s causing this?