Unlike strong topical steroids, studies have shown that tacrolimus ointment does not cause skin atrophy 5, 6.
Topical medications include corticosteroid creams (Aristocort, Kenalog, Halog, Topicort, and many other brand names) and ointments containing immunomodulators, usually tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel).