Side by side comparison of 0.03% tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) versus usual topical steroid treatment in children with atopic dermatitis

INTERVENTION: Randomised controlled trial with random allocation to: [A] Protopic and [B] usual steroid ointment. Fifty children attending the regional eczema referral outpatient clinic at Booth Hall Children's Hospital will be randomised to apply Protopic ointment to one arm or leg and the effectiveness of this treatment will be compared with continuing application of the usual steroid to the other limb. The doctor, who will be blinded to which side the Protopic is applied, will assess the patient 1 week later to determine which treatment is more effective. CONDITION: Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases: Atopic dermatitis ; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases ; Not provided at time of registration PRIMARY OUTCOME: Comparison of the severity of eczema on the side to which the Protopic is applied compared with the other limb. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Atopic dermatitis INCLUSION CRITERIA: 50 children