The use of tacrolimus in dermatology

This article aims to review the literature on the use of tacrolimus in dermatology. We tried to focus on the local application of tacrolimus. The local application of tacrolimus is known to be effective for several skin diseases, especially atopic dermatitis. Since the major action site of tacrolimus is activated T-lymphocytes, the drug showed efficiency mostly in inflammatory dermatological diseases including psoriasis, lichen planus, alopecia areata and pyoderma gangrenosum. Tacrolimus lacks most of side effects of local steroids and seems to have better results for short and long term application. We presume that tacrolimus will be widely used on skin diseases, especially when it becomes less expensive.