A recent study has demonstrated that tacrolimus, an immunosuppresive drug commonly used in organ transplant patients and as a topical medicine for atopic dermatitis (eczema), is also effective in alleviating symptoms of nickel allergies.

Tacrolimus ointment was significantly more effective than the placebo ointment in ameliorating the signs and symptoms of nickel-induced allergic contact dermatitis. After 8 weeks, dermatitis was clear or almost clear in 45 percent of patients who received tacrolimus, but in only 1 percent of those who received the placebo, they report. The statistically significant response occurred as early as day 8.

The brand of tacrolimus used in the study was Protopic.

It all sounds promising, but if you have nickel allergies and are considering this as treatment, consult first with your dermatologist and/or allergist. Tacrolimus is a prescription ointment and is meant for those who can't take or don't respond to other topical allergy drugs. And while it has known benefits over corticosteroids in that it does not cause thinning of the skin and is less likely to be absorbed systemically, there have been studies linking the drug to cancer, although definitive data are still lacking.

Read the full story from Reuters.