Pimecrolimus (Elidel) is a novel cell-selective inhibitor of inflammatory cytokines that has specifically been developed for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases due to its favourable skin selective pharmacological profile. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus cream 1% has been established in the short-term treatment and the long-term management of atopic eczema in clinical studies in adults, children and infants. It rapidly relieves pruritus, and redness and swelling disappear or are only mild in up to 70% of pimecrolimus treated patients during the first three weeks. When applied at the first signs and symptoms of atopic eczema, pimecrolimus has proven to prevent flare progression and to provide superior long-term disease control compared with a conventional treatment, based on reactive use of corticosteroids. Pimecrolimus cream 1% is well tolerated, even on sensitive areas such as the face and neck. Blood concentrations remain low, even when extensive body areas are treated and no clinically significant systemic effects have been observed during short- or long-term clinical studies with pimecrolimus.