Crisaborole is a prescription ointment that’s FDA approved to treat eczema symptoms for children as young as two years old. Crisaborole is not an approved treatment for infants and young babies.
Eczema is a skin condition that’s present in 10 to 20% of people in the developed world. 80% of these cases are children. The condition is defined by an itchy rash with redness and inflammation of the skin.
In studies, Crisaborole relieved itchiness in 57% of all patients. It also completely or nearly cleared up the rash in 33% of patients after a month of consistent use.
Crisaborole is a type of medicine called a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, which means that it works by blocking particular substances in your body that cause inflammation.
If you or your child has been prescribed Crisaborole, make sure that you read the instructions carefully and follow them. Never apply any extra ointment and never use it more often than prescribed. The usual dose is twice a day.
Dermatologists recommend that you take the following steps when using the ointment:
- Always use the ointment around the same time every day.
- The best time to use it is after bathing. Wait for 15 minutes following application before using your usual moisturizer.
- Only put the ointment on dry skin.
- Be gentle when rubbing in the ointment and make sure that it’s completely absorbed into the skin.
- Wash your hands immediately after using the ointment unless you’re trying to treat eczema on your hands.
The most common side-effect is a stinging or burning feeling at the spot where you use the ointment. Talk to your doctor if you experience this. Other side effects are more dangerous, and you should contact your doctor as soon as you notice them. These include:
- Hives.
- Swelling and redness anywhere on your body, not just eczema spots.
- Skin infection.
- Making your eczema worse.
These more serious side-effects are seen in less than 4% of patients studied. We need more research in order to learn more about any potential long-term side-effects of this medication.
