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Information about the POSSIBLE DANGERS of
common ingredients in prescription and over-the-counter
eczema products,
including PARABENS
Tacrolimus (topical)
Tacrolimus (ta-KROE-li-mus; brand name Protopic) ointment is
used for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. A burning
sensation, pruritus (itching) and erythema are very common
during the first few days of treatment.
Other side effects included flu-like symptoms, myalgia (muscle
aches), headache, folliculitis (infection of the hair follicle),
acne, maculopapular rash (a red skin rash) and other skin
infections that commonly go along with eczema. Also: Skin
flushing in areas of ointment application when drinking alcohol;
cough; loss of appetite; general aches and pains; sneezing;
weakness; skin burning; itching skin–in children; headache;
fever. Less common side effects include watery eyes; troubled
breathing or wheezing ; severe skin rash or hives; flushing;
chills; runny nose; increased sensitivity to sunlight; joint
pain; swollen glands; acne; back pain; redness in eye; pain in
eye; swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid; itching
eyes; cyst ; acid or sour stomach; belching; heartburn;
indigestion; stomach discomfort, upset, or pain; skin
blisters—in children; burning, itching, or pain in hairy areas;
pus at root of hair; increased skin sensitivity; muscle aches or
pain ; rash; stuffy nose; skin tingling; pain or tenderness
around eyes and cheekbones; tightness of chest
Pimecrolimus (topical)
Pimecrolimus (brand name Elidel) is used to treat certain skin
conditions such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), in people who
have not responded well to, or who should not use other eczema
medications (e.g., topical steroids). Temporary mild skin
burning/irritation or headache may occur within the first few
days of treatment. Additional potential side effects include
warts/sores or new growths on the skin, cough, fever.
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Prednisone (oral steroid)
Prednisone is often prescribed to
relieve inflammation. Side effects can include increased
appetite indigestion,
nervousness or restlessness. Less frequent or rare: darkening or
lightening of skin color, dizziness or lightheadedness, flushing
of face or cheeks, hiccups, increased joint pain (after
injection into a joint),
increased sweating, and sensation of spinning. Less common side
effects can include decreased or blurred vision
frequent urination and increased thirst. Rare side effects
include blindness (sudden, when injected in the head or neck
area), burning, numbness, pain, or tingling at or near place of
injection, confusion, excitement, false sense of well-being,
hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not
there), mental depression, mistaken feelings of self-importance
or being mistreated, mood swings (sudden and wide), redness,
swelling, or other sign of allergy or infection at place of
injection, restlessness, skin rash or hives. Additional
potential effects: Abdominal or stomach pain or burning
(continuing), acne, bloody or black, tarry stools, changes in
vision, eye pain, filling or rounding out of the face, headache,
irregular heartbeat, menstrual problems, muscle cramps or pain,
muscle weakness, nausea, pain in arms, back, hips, legs, ribs,
or shoulders, pitting, scarring, or depression of skin at place
of injection, reddish purple lines on arms, face, groin, legs,
or trunk, redness of eyes, sensitivity of eyes to light,
stunting of growth (in children), swelling of feet or lower
legs, tearing of eyes, thin, shiny skin
trouble in sleeping, unusual bruising, unusual increase in hair
growth, unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting, weight gain (rapid), and wounds that will not heal.
Other Notes: Corticosteroids may lower your resistance to
infections. Any infection you get may be harder to treat. Check
with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any possible
signs of an infection, such as sore throat, fever, sneezing, or
coughing. After stopping this medicine, a body may need time to
adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of
prednisone taken, and how long it was used. After large doses of
this medicine for a long time, it may take up to one year to
adjust. During this time, check with your doctor immediately if
any of the following side effects occur: abdominal, stomach, or
back pain, dizziness, fainting, fever, loss of appetite
(continuing), muscle or joint pain, nausea,
reappearance of disease symptoms, shortness of breath,
unexplained headaches (frequent or continuing)
unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, weight loss (rapid).
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some
patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your
doctor. This information is meant only as a guideline - always
consult a physician or pharmacist for complete information about
prescription medications.
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Loratadine (oral antihistamine)
Brand name include Claritin and Alavert. The most common side
effects include headaches, tiredness, and dry mouth. Allergic
reactions may include difficulty breathing, closing of the
throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives), an
irregular heartbeat, or seizures. Other, less serious side
effects that may be more likely to occur include drowsiness or
dizziness, headache, nervousness, nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal
discomfort, dry mouth, dry skin or itchiness, or
discoloration of urine.
Fexofenadine (oral antihistamine)
Brand name includes Allegra. Fexofenadine may cause side effects
such as headache, dizziness, back pain, cough, drowsiness,
headache, difficulty urinating (passing water), dry mouth,
blurred vision, tummy upset, being aware of your heart beat,
skin rashes, confusion, mood changes, disturbed sleep or
shakiness.
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Parabens
Nearly all over-the-counter yeast infection
products use parabens as a preservative.
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