What Do Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors Treat?

These steroid-free medicines reduce local immune signalling in the skin. A clinician may choose them for delicate areas such as the face, eyelids, skin folds, or around the mouth, where repeated steroid use may be unsuitable. They are commonly discussed for [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) and can be considered for [Inverse Psoriasis](/conditions/inverse-psoriasis/), [Vitiligo](/conditions/vitiligo/), [Cutaneous Lupus](/conditions/cutaneous-lupus/), or other diagnosed conditions. Tacrolimus is one medicine in this group; the strength and schedule depend on the person and body site.

Apply a thin layer to the prescribed skin and avoid eyes, mucous membranes, and broken skin unless directed. A brief warm, burning, or stinging feeling can occur at first; tell your clinician if it is severe or persistent. Protect treated skin from unnecessary sun exposure and do not cover it tightly without instructions. Do not use the medicine for an undiagnosed rash, and mention any active infection before starting.

Contact your clinician if treated skin becomes increasingly red, painful, crusted, blistered, or develops drainage. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or a widespread allergic reaction. A new changing patch, persistent sore, or rash that spreads despite treatment needs assessment rather than repeated application.

Ask which diagnosis is being treated, where the medicine can be applied, whether moisturiser should go before or after it, and what sun precautions fit your routine. You can also ask about [Tacrolimus](/materials/tacrolimus/) and how it differs from other options.