Crisaborole for Eczema: What Two Clinical Trials Found
When eczema interrupts sleep, exercise or a busy workday, patients may ask what prescription options are available besides topical corticosteroids. Crisaborole is one nonsteroid prescription ointment used for certain people with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. Whether it is suitable depends on an individual medical evaluation.
What did the trials measure?
Two randomized, double-blind phase 3 studies compared crisaborole with its vehicle—an ointment base without the active medicine—in patients aged two years and older. Participants applied the assigned product twice daily for 28 days. The prescribing information reports 1,522 participants across the two trials.
At day 29, one trial reported that 32.8% of the crisaborole group met the study’s treatment-success definition compared with 25.4% of the vehicle group; the second reported 31.4% versus 18.0%. Success meant skin was rated clear or almost clear with at least a two-grade improvement. These results describe specific groups and a defined clinical outcome; they do not predict an individual’s response or establish a cure.
| Question | Discuss with the care team |
|---|---|
| How is it used? | Follow the current prescription and ask which areas and treatment duration apply to you. |
| What side effects matter? | Application-site pain, including burning or stinging, can occur. Report persistent or concerning reactions. |
| What if a child has eczema? | Ask the prescriber about the current approved age, the child’s history and the appropriate plan. |
| Can a moisturizer replace it? | A cosmetic moisturizer and a prescription medicine have different purposes. Do not substitute one for the other. |
Read the results in context
The studies were short and compared crisaborole with a vehicle, not every other eczema medicine. The two response rates differ, so the figures should not be used as a guarantee or a simple ranking against unrelated trials. The American Academy of Dermatology includes several topical treatment options in its atopic dermatitis guidelines; the choice is individualized.
Ask how to coordinate prescribed medicine with daily skin care and how to handle worsening symptoms or possible allergy. For context, read how to distinguish a cosmetic moisturizer from a medicine and our guide to other nonsteroid prescription options.
Dr. Arsy Moisturizer #003, 4 oz is a cosmetic moisturizer for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. It does not treat or cure eczema and does not replace prescribed care.
Sources and further reading
- Two phase 3 crisaborole trials.
- DailyMed: Crisaborole prescribing information.
- American Academy of Dermatology: Atopic dermatitis guidelines.
Educational information, not individual medical advice. Cited researchers and organizations do not endorse Dr. Arsy. Image is an AI-generated editorial illustration.