The efficacy and safety of topical pimecrolimus in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis.

Pimecrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor developed for the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis. It selectively targets T cells and mast cells, but since it has no effects on dendritic cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts, it does not induce skin atrophy. Pimercolimus was effective, well-tolerated and safe in infants, children and adolescents with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in several randomized control trials. Given the low capacity of the drug to permeate through the skin, there is no evidence of systemic immunosuppression from topical pimecrolimus therapy.