Crisaborole
About Crisaborole
Crisaborole is a topical prescription medication used to treat mild-to-moderate eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. It is designed to reduce the skin inflammation, redness, and intense itching associated with this chronic condition. This non-steroidal ointment is suitable for adults and children as young as 3 months of age.
To get the best results, you should apply Crisaborole consistently twice every day, exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Since this is a skin ointment applied directly to the body, there are no food restrictions associated with its use. Incorporating gentle skincare habits, such as taking lukewarm baths and keeping the skin hydrated, can also support your treatment outcomes.
While using Crisaborole, some people may experience mild, temporary stinging, burning, or pain where the medicine is applied. These localized symptoms are common and usually improve after a few days of consistent use. If you experience severe burning, swelling, or signs of a serious skin reaction, stop applying the ointment and consult your doctor immediately.
Before starting Crisaborole, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have highly sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions to topical products. You should not use this medicine if you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients in the ointment.
Although skin medications rarely interact with oral drugs, alcohol, or smoking, tell your healthcare provider about all treatments you currently use. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a family, consult your doctor to ensure this product is safe for you.
Uses of Crisaborole
Medicinal Benefits
Crisaborole helps relieve the signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate eczema while supporting the skin's natural healing process. Its benefits include:
- Helps reduce skin inflammation, relieving redness, swelling, and irritation associated with eczema.
- Relieves persistent itching, helping reduce the urge to scratch and minimizing further skin damage.
- Supports repair of the skin barrier, improving skin texture and reducing dryness and scaling over time.
- Is a non-steroidal treatment, making it a suitable option for long-term management when used as prescribed.
- Helps improve daily comfort and promotes better sleep by reducing itching and skin discomfort.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication, to ensure the safety.
- Take a small amount and apply it as a thin layer to the clean and dry affected area.
- Avoid contact with the nose, mouth, or eyes. In case of accidental contact with these areas, rinse with water thoroughly.
- It is only for external use.
Storage
Side Effects of Crisaborole
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Burning or stinging where the ointment is applied
- Mild pain or skin irritation at the application site
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away)
- Severe redness, itching, or swelling that worsens after application
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction, including hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe dizziness or difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the ointment before use: Check the ointment tube before each use. Do not use the product if the protective seal is broken, missing, or the ointment appears contaminated.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes: Keep the ointment away from your eyes, nose, mouth, and other mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cool water.
- Do not cover the treated area unless advised: Do not apply tight, airtight bandages or plastic wraps over the treated skin unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so.
- Monitor your skin's response: Watch for any worsening of eczema, increased irritation, or lack of improvement after several weeks of regular use, and consult your healthcare provider if these occur.
- Wash your hands after application: Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the ointment, unless your hands are the treated area, to avoid accidentally transferring the medicine to sensitive parts of your body.
Drug Interactions
- Other topical skin products: Applying other prescription or over-the-counter creams, ointments, or cosmetic products to the same skin area at the same time as Crisaborole may interfere with how well it is absorbed. It is best to wait at least 30 minutes between applying Crisaborole and any other skin product.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorNo interaction was found. Please consult your doctor before using Crisaborole.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or already pregnant before starting Crisaborole.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before using Crisaborole. However, it is advised not to use Crisaborole on breasts before breastfeeding your baby.
Driving
safe if prescribedCrisaborole has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before using Crisaborole.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before using Crisaborole.
Children
consult your doctorCrisaborole can be used in children above three years under the doctor's supervision. Your doctor will decide the dosage based on the child's age and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Moisturize regularly: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to your entire body within three minutes of bathing to lock in moisture.
- Take lukewarm baths: Avoid hot water, which can strip natural oils from your skin and worsen eczema symptoms. Limit baths or showers to 10-15 minutes.
- Use gentle cleansers: Avoid harsh, scented soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners that can irritate sensitive skin.
- Wear skin-friendly fabrics: Choose loose-fitting clothing made of soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, and avoid scratchy materials like wool.
- Identify skin triggers: Keep a journal to identify and avoid everyday triggers, such as certain foods, pet dander, or dust mites, that make your eczema flare up.
Special Advise
Contact your doctor if the bacterial infection symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks of treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes patches of itchy, inflamed, swollen skin. It could occur due to stress, hormonal changes, irritating substances, food allergies, upper respiratory tract infections, or chemicals found in detergents. Symptoms of eczema include itching, red patches, bumps, and scaly skin.
FAQs
Crisaborole is used to treat Eczema and dermatitis.
It works by inhibiting the chemical substances responsible for causing pain and inflammation.
Your doctor will suggest the duration of use. However, If you notice no improvement after seven days, stop using Crisaborole and consult your doctor.
No, Crisaborole is a non-steroidal topical ointment. It works differently than topical steroids to reduce skin inflammation, making it a suitable alternative for patients seeking steroid-free eczema management. Talk to your doctor to see if this is right for you.
Yes, Crisaborole can be applied to sensitive areas like the face, neck, and eyelids, provided you take extreme care to avoid getting the product directly into your eyes, nose, or mouth. Talk to your doctor for specific application advice on these areas.
Crisaborole is approved for use in adults and pediatric patients who are at least 3 months of age. Do not use this ointment on infants younger than 3 months. Talk to your pediatrician for guidance on treating your child's eczema.
A mild burning or stinging sensation is a common side effect, especially during the first few days of starting treatment. This sensation usually subsides as your skin adjusts. If the burning is severe or does not improve, stop using the ointment and talk to your doctor.
Yes, but you should wait until the ointment has fully absorbed into your skin before applying cosmetics, sunscreens, or other moisturizers. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the correct sequence of products for your skincare routine.
Crisaborole is designed for continuous or intermittent long-term use as directed by your healthcare provider. Your doctor will monitor your skin's progress periodically to ensure it remains safe and effective for you. Talk to your doctor about your treatment plan.
Crisaborole is specifically approved and formulated to treat mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema). It should not be used to treat other skin conditions unless specifically prescribed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
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