Eczema Immunomodulators 

Topical immunomodulators like pimecrolimus & tacrolimus were developed after corticosteroid treatments, effectively suppressing the immune body system in the affected area, & appear to yield better results in some populations. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has issued a public health advisory about the possible risk of lymph node or skin cancer from use of these products, but many professional medical organizations disagree with the FDA's findings

• The postulation is that the immune body system might help remove some pre-cancerous abnormal cells which is prevented by these drugs. However, any chronic inflammatory condition such as eczema, by the very nature of increased metabolism & cell replication, has a tiny associated risk of cancer .
• Current practice by UK dermatologists is not to consider this a significant real concern & they are increasingly recommending the use of these new drugs. The dramatic enhancement on the condition could significantly enhance the quality of life of sufferers . The major debate, in the UK, has been about the cost of such newer treatments and, given only finite NHS resources, when they are most appropriate to use.
• In addition to cancer risk, there are other potential side effects with this class of drugs. Adverse reactions including severe flushing,headaches, flu-like syndrome, photosensitive reactivity & possible drug interactions with a variety of medications, alcohol & grapefruit.