Management of Atopic Dermatitis: The Role of Tacrolimus
Badar Uddin Umar, Sayeeda Rahman, Siddhartha Dutta, Tariqul Islam, Nadia Nusrat, Kona Chowdhury, Wan Farizatul Shima Binti Wan Ahmad Fakuradzi, Mainul Haque
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a long-lasting inflammatory dermatological condition characterized by itchy, eczematous, sparsely tiny blisters that hold a clear watery substance. Additionally, the diseased skin can suppurate, occasionally with weeping with thickening of the affected skin. This is considered one of the top skin disorders involving both children and adult populations globally. The principal therapeutic intervention for AD is long-standing topical glucocorticoids, which have been used for several decades. Corticosteroid therapy brings several adverse drug effects (ADRs), including irreversible skin atrophy. Tacrolimus belongs to the class of calcineurin inhibitors, which is a type of immunomodulator possessing promising efficacy in treating AD. Topical tacrolimus is an effective and safe non-corticosteroid substitute treatment for AD. We reviewed the available literature to compare and institute the safety, efficacy, and effectiveness of tacrolimus when equated to corticosteroid therapy in managing AD.