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Cream May Help Eczema Sufferers
Drug Wins FDA Approval
UPDATED: 5:27 p.m. EDT September 12, 2002
When eczema strikes, it means itchy red skin. While medicine can treat it, it doesn't prevent another outbreak and there are often side effects.
But a new treatment may take care of both problems.
Life is a playground for Megan Birnbaum now that her eczema is under control.
"Once she started scratching, there was no stopping," said Barbara Birnbaum, Megan's mom.
Megan's skin is now clear because of a cream called Elidel.
"Really it allows you to maintain the patient or the child in a disease-free state, which is a tremendous breakthrough for the child and the family," Dr. Lawrence Eichenfield said.
Eichenfield said that the traditional form of treatment, a steriod cream, clears up the eczema but damages the skin.
"The families were too fearful to use the medicines to get the inflammations under control," Eichenfield said.
Megan was among the first patients to use Elidel in clinical trials, which led to Food and Drug Administration approval late last year. The most common side effects are a feeling of warmth or burning where the cream is applied. It is said to be mild and will go away within a few days.
More Information:
But a new treatment may take care of both problems.
Life is a playground for Megan Birnbaum now that her eczema is under control.
"Once she started scratching, there was no stopping," said Barbara Birnbaum, Megan's mom.
Megan's skin is now clear because of a cream called Elidel.
"Really it allows you to maintain the patient or the child in a disease-free state, which is a tremendous breakthrough for the child and the family," Dr. Lawrence Eichenfield said.
Eichenfield said that the traditional form of treatment, a steriod cream, clears up the eczema but damages the skin.
"The families were too fearful to use the medicines to get the inflammations under control," Eichenfield said.
Megan was among the first patients to use Elidel in clinical trials, which led to Food and Drug Administration approval late last year. The most common side effects are a feeling of warmth or burning where the cream is applied. It is said to be mild and will go away within a few days.
More Information:
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Debra Whisenand
Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology
Children's Hospital
8010 Frost Street Suite 202
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 576-1700 ext. 3886
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