[ ARC forum 2 ]

Tacrolimus and all

Written by Paul B. at 19 Sep 2002 00:09:35:

As an answer to: Re: LSA - Cure that worked for me ! written by Dee Troll at 17 Sep 2002 22:36:25:

> I hope you don't mind a womans input into the conversation.

Women are always most welcome, if uncommon, contributors here, especially in discussions about phimosis and the perversion of circumcision, for one thing because it is often their opinion or anticipated (imagined) opinion that motivates men to do things, sometimes most unwisely.

> Fortunately for many women adding the Estrogen cream Estrace has definitely helped restored the tissue as well as release those adhesions.

That can certainly do no harm!

> it's even been suggested in some legitimate studies for men as well as boys even tho it's a hormone cream

It's most unlikely to harm men at all, and locally applied, should not concern boys either (minor effects would be readily reversible).

> That was what worked for me (as well as adding a natural Testosterone cream

Which latter would have the added advantage of making you feel better about yourself as well!

> But I have to let you know about a newer ointment (Prescription) that's out called Protopic (tacrolimus) either .1% for adults or .03% for children.

You may note in my message below, that I have discussed this with our local (Australian) dermatologist, and he was most interested. Over Here it is however, particularly expensive, so is not used too readily.

> You may have already mentioned this before and if so please forgive me.

Nope, it really is a "new-y".

> (it's a macrolide) by halting those cytokines, histamines, inflammation, etc and slowing down the immune system (as do the steroids)

It sure does! It is the standard medication currently, taken orally ("Prograf"), to suppress rejection of organ grafts - kidneys, hearts, lungs, liver. Like all such drugs, it has some nasty side effects, but used topically (on the skin), these should not occur as so little gets into the bloodstream.

The older, but still standard (indeed, often used in combination) non-steroidal immune suppressant, Cyclosporin, is also used for psoriasis and eczema, but as the dermatologist to whom I spoke took great pains to point out, cannot be absorbed through the skin and must thus be used orally with all the side-effects that causes. Tacrolimus is absorbed through the skin, and is thus far more useful.

> and by the way I am almost convinced it is an autoimmune disease ( over 50% of women have a certain gene mutation with double alleles).

I am sure all the dermatologists agree with you.

> doctors are using it 'off label' for the genital area and it's working!

Drug companies are always cautious about anything that could have complications.

> About the circumscision? NO thank you for men or women if it's not needed,

My point was, and always is, that those who advocate circumcision for men, for any reason, must always answer: "Well, if it's such a good idea, then why is it never considered for women for the same indication - because the same indication is virtually always true for women also?"

> and besides LSA has been shown to repeat itself even with skin grafts of healthy tissue and why surgery is never or rarely recommended.

You obviously get the idea. Surgery is the prerogative of general surgeons and urologists, and one might surmise that after a bout with them, anyone with a recurrence would be most cautious about going back for advice, so their "cures" may be an illusion.

>I'll go back into lurking mode but I do hope it helps someone out there.

Do feel free to contribute.


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