Topical Immunomodulators

Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for several skin problems; however, their clinical utility is limited by potential side effects. Recently, the steroid-free topical immunomodulators tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream have become available. These agents provide effective treatment without causing skin atrophy or other steroidal side effects, and their physiochemical properties, such as relatively large molecular size and high lipophilicity, limit diffusion through skin and into the bloodstream, providing skin-selective treatment.