Protopic ointment is an effective medication that treats dermatitis by reducing inflammation, itching and redness.
We understand how important your skin is to you. That’s why when you order Protopic online with us, you’ll get unlimited access to our clinicians for a whole year.
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Your treatment delivered in secure packaging, the very next day.
Aftercare
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Protopic ointment contains tacrolimus, which helps reduce inflammation and itchiness. It treats various forms of dermatitis (skin irritation), when the condition is thought to be triggered by an immune response.
Perioral dermatitis is characterised by a red rash around the mouth, itchiness and breakouts. The underlying cause isn’t fully understood, but some suggest inflammation of the hair follicles contributes to the formation of spots around the mouth. While topical steroids are often used to treat this condition, using them excessively can also lead to dermatitis when you stop. Other causes may include hormonal changes, the use of oral contraceptives and fungal infections.
How does Protopic work?
Protopic contains tacrolimus, an immunomodulating agent (meaning it affects your immune response). When applied to your skin, it inhibits calcineurin, leading to the reduction of inflammatory molecules such as mast cells, cytokines IL-2 and TNF-alpha. As a result, inflammation and redness are reduced.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to use Protopic for perioral dermatitis
Always make sure to apply Protopic as advised by your clinician. It can be applied to most areas of your body, including your face and around your eyes, but make sure not to get it in your mouth, nose or eyes.
Before applying Protopic, make sure your skin is completely dry. Apply the product twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening) until the affected area clears up. After this, use it twice a week, making sure there are 2-3 days between each application. During your treatment, your clinician might advise you to increase or decrease this, depending on your symptoms.
Are there different doses of Protopic?
There are two different doses of Protopic available, Protopic 0.1% and Protopic 0.03%. They both contain the same active ingredient but at different concentrations. Our clinician will decide what concentration to prescribe depending on the severity of your condition.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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FAQ: Protopic
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How is Protopic different from other treatments for perioral dermatitis?
Answer:
Protopic is an immunosuppressant. It inhibits the immune response, which can reduce inflammation and itchiness. Elidel is a similar drug to Protopic. It contains pimecrolimus, which also reduces inflammation to treat dermatitis.
However, if the affected area is infected and severe, antibiotics, like Lymecycline, might be prescribed for several weeks. This stops the growth of any bacteria causing infections, which can help with itching but also reduces inflammation and spots.
How well does Protopic work for perioral dermatitis?
Answer:
Tacrolimus is proven to be an effective treatment for dermatitis. A study conducted in 2000 found patients using 0.1% tacrolimus twice daily showed significant improvements within 1 week (54%), and even greater improvements after 6 months (81%) and a year (86%).
Additionally, when compared to topical corticosteroids for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, patients using tacrolimus showed more improvement within 3 months (71.6%) than those using a steroid (50.8%).
Why should I buy Protopic online with Treated?
Answer:
After answering a few questions, you’ll be given a list of recommendations to choose from. We then deliver the medicine to you, by the next working day.
We also offer aftercare. This means during and after your treatment we’ll check in with you to make sure everything’s alright. You can also contact your clinician through your online account if you have any questions, any time you like.
Reitamo S, et al (2000). Safety and Efficacy of 1 Year of Tacrolimus Ointment Monotherapy in Adults With Atopic Dermatitis. Arch Dermatol. 2000;136(8):999–1006.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
