The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently advised health care professionals to prescribe Elidel (pimecrominum) and Protopic (tacrolimus), skin cream treatments for eczema, only as directed and only after other eczema treatments have failed to work. This is due to a potential cancer risk associated with their use. In addition the FDA is adding a “black box” warning, the FDA’s most severe warning, to the health professional label for the two products.

These actions follow the recommendations made by the FDA's Pediatric Advisory Committee during its February 15, 2005 meeting. At this meeting, findings of cancer in three different animal species were reviewed. The data showed that the risk of cancer increased as the amount of the drug given increased. The data also included a small number of reports of cancers in children and adults treated with Elidel or Protopic.

Although the creams were approved to be used only for a short-term use for adults and children age 2 and older, the marketers of Elidel pushed aggressively for a longer indication. One researcher stated that the product is being heavily advertised without regard for the potential cancer risks, particularly among young children. The result of this marketing push is that both creams are being used for longer than they safely should be among adults and babies. Elidel has denied that their product is unsafe, and is touting it as an effective alternative to steroid creams.

The research included an animal based study that showed the possible development of lymphoma, which is defined as a cancer of the immune system, as well as various types of skin cancer.

There have been at least 7 adverse reports of children with infections, including an 8-month-old boy whose infection was so severe he suffered a heart attack after Protopic was applied to his body for six months.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is surprisingly common and affects more than 15 million Americans and 10 percent of all children. When faced with their child experiencing intense itching - sometimes to the point of bleeding - most parents’ first instinct is to find instant relief for their child. Conventional treatment often involves prescribing creams which treat the local symptoms and not the cause. You can avoid this potentially tragic pattern by using natural alternatives.

One of the best places to begin is with your child’s diet. Breastfeeding is one of nature’s original perfect foods. It contains a prolific array of immunoglobulins, which are proteins in the body that assist our immune system. If you are no longer breastfeeding, using raw cow’s milk is a great alternative. The naturally occurring enzymes and probiotics are still intact with raw milk, which makes it a healthier choice to homogenized and pasteurized milk, which degrades the milk proteins, potentially causing digestive problems. You can learn more by visiting www.organicpastures.com

Another nutritional suggestion is to reduce the intake of wheat based and soy products. A recent literary release called The Whole Soy Story by Dr. Kaayla Daniel is full of research explaining why soy is not a health food.

An additional suggestion for helping eczema is the use of essential fatty acids. Find a reputable cod liver oil (or fish oil) which contains naturally occurring vitamin A & D to support tissue health. The Omega 3 Fatty Acids in the fish oil are beneficial for modulating inflammatory conditions in the body. Also useful is an Omega 6 Fatty Acid called GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid). This fatty acid can be found in evening primrose oil and grass fed beef.

As always, it is useful to consult trained practitioners to assist you with all aspects of natural health care.

Jonathon Kalman is a Naturopathic Physician. He can be reached on the web at www.GoodOldFashionedMedicine.com.