Pimecrolimus
Pimecrolimus is a steroid-free topical calcineurin inhibitor cream for eczema (atopic dermatitis), sold here as Elidel tubes in 10g and 30g pack sizes.
Eczema cream that is not a steroid
Pimecrolimus is a cream for atopic dermatitis, the dry, itchy rash most people simply call eczema. It is a topical calcineurin inhibitor, acting on the skin's own immune cells rather than the whole body, and it contains no steroid. Steroid creams can thin the skin with long use; pimecrolimus has not been linked to that, so it is often picked for eyelids, the face and skin folds.
How it calms a flare
A flare begins when T cells in the skin switch on and release chemicals that bring the heat, redness and itch. Pimecrolimus blocks calcineurin, the protein those cells use to send that signal, so less of it gets through and the skin settles. The change is gradual, over days rather than minutes, and the skin keeps improving while you apply the cream.
What a course looks like
Spread a thin layer over the rash twice a day and rub it in until it has gone. Using more will not make it work faster. Keep it away from the eyes, lips and nostrils; if any gets into an eye, rinse with cool water. Wash your hands after each application, unless the eczema is on your hands. Covering the treated area with cling film, plasters or wraps pushes more medicine into the skin, so leave it open. Moisturiser can follow once the cream has dried, though after a bath or shower the moisturiser goes on first. A course usually runs for up to six weeks. When the skin is clear, stop and start again at the next flare, or use the cream twice a week to keep flares away.
Side effects to expect
Stinging, burning or itching where the cream goes on is common and tends to fade over the first days as the skin adjusts. Redness and inflamed hair follicles can also appear. Now and then the treated skin picks up an infection — impetigo, cold sores, molluscum or warts — and the cream is set aside until that clears. Alcohol may bring on flushing. Tanning beds, sunlamps and UV treatment are best left alone, and treated skin is better covered in strong sun. A small number of people who used pimecrolimus or a similar cream later developed skin cancer or lymphoma; it has not been shown that the cream caused it, and it is one reason the cream is kept for flares rather than applied non-stop.
Elidel in 10g and 30g tubes
Elidel is the pimecrolimus cream sold here, in 10g and 30g tubes. A 10g tube covers a small patch such as an eyelid or a hand, while 30g goes further on wider areas or through a run of flares. Both hold the same cream, so the choice comes down to how much skin you treat. Other creams and ointments for eczema and dry skin sit in skin care.
Sources
- Pimecrolimus Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus / U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Pimecrolimus - DermNet NZ — DermNet NZ / New Zealand Dermatological Society
Can I order Pimecrolimus online in Hong Kong?
Pimecrolimus can be ordered online with delivery to Hong Kong. The page lists generic Elidel tubes in 10g and 30g, along with plain Pimecrolimus tubes in the same sizes. Payment is by Visa, Mastercard or American Express on a secure, encrypted page, or with Bitcoin or Ethereum.
How are Pimecrolimus prices shown?
Elidel is priced per pack: its page lists every strength and pack size with the current price in HKD or your chosen currency.
Do I need a prescription to order Pimecrolimus?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order pimecrolimus. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What brand names does pimecrolimus have?
Elidel is a brand name of pimecrolimus. Here, pimecrolimus can be bought online as generic Elidel. These are generics, not the original brand.
How quickly does pimecrolimus cream work?
Itch and redness begin to settle over the first week or two of use, and the skin keeps improving while you carry on with it. Pimecrolimus is not a fast fix for a sudden itch; it is applied twice a day and works gradually rather than in minutes.
Can I use pimecrolimus cream on my eyelids?
Yes. Eyelid eczema is one of the places it suits best, because it does not thin the skin the way steroid creams can. Apply a small amount to the lid skin and keep it out of the eye itself; if some gets in, flush the eye with cool water.
Can I drink alcohol while using pimecrolimus cream?
A drink can bring on flushing, warmth or irritation of the treated skin, particularly early in a course. It is a known reaction to the cream rather than an allergy, and it fades on its own. Many people simply avoid alcohol for the first week or two.
Is pimecrolimus cream a steroid?
No. Pimecrolimus belongs to a different group, the topical calcineurin inhibitors, which calm the immune reaction inside the skin instead of using steroid. It has not been linked to skin thinning or stretch marks, which is why it is a common choice for the face, eyelids and skin folds.
How should I store pimecrolimus cream?
Screw the cap on tightly and keep the tube in a cool place out of direct sunlight — not on a sunny windowsill or in a hot car. Check the date stamped on the crimp before starting a new flare, and replace the tube if the cream has separated or changed colour.