Eczema outbreak - Aggghh thought i'd got rid of it
Discussion
amir_j said:
At one point I was living abroad and was able to see a private dermo, one of things we did was try different creams etc 50-50 I.e.half skin with one for a week and other half with another to compare effect.
One thing I cannot stress enough, especially if you have eczema in a visible place where it will affect your life significantly is Protopic. A hardly there thin layer applied once of twice on a flare up would clear for a fortnight. Doesn't seem as well known over here. If you have a client facing career then its a life changer.
Note: dyor as its a possible but unproven carcogenic
Very interesting.One thing I cannot stress enough, especially if you have eczema in a visible place where it will affect your life significantly is Protopic. A hardly there thin layer applied once of twice on a flare up would clear for a fortnight. Doesn't seem as well known over here. If you have a client facing career then its a life changer.
Note: dyor as its a possible but unproven carcogenic
Tacrolimus the active ingredient in Protopic is I think a prescription only drug. I already take a LOT of drugs for heart, lung, and blood and spine disorders following some pretty trick health problems.
I can only get my own doctor to adjust my medication, no other practitioner in the practice will touch it.
They all say that they are amazed that I can tolerate the combinations which keep me alive. My own doctor will only alter or add more drugs after consultation with my consultants. And a lot of thought.
But I will suggest this cream to my doctor because I think leaving no stone unturned with Eczema is the best way to keep in top of the problem. Always good to have another weapon in the arsenal with Eczema.
I must just caution on the use of Steroids again. They are effective but the downside is a real nuisance. And every patient who uses topical steroids will develop the thin skin problem. Then you may have Eczema and thin skin which is a real nightmare.
Yup prescription only. The way it was explained the dermo is that it is a immunosurpresent. His take on the alleged cancer link was that this would only apply if Tacrolimus was used internally (its original use was for lung transplants etc to stop body rejecting the new organ), he was convinced that if used in small area externally when needed and sensible amounts was negligable.
Frankly the severity of my condition meant I was happy to take the risk, and used only when absolutely necessary e.g. attending a wedding or important meeting and putting up with eczema at other times just with moisturiser.
As I mentioned above, took the smallest of amounts and rubbed over the area, will sting the first time its applied so have moisturiser on hand to calm it or you will be rubbing like mad! Without it my wedding wouldn't have gone so great- not to mention having the confidence to actually get my now wife so very grateful to whoever invented it.
My big test is early next year as off backpacking and so will be staying in hostels and experience all kinds of conditions, hoping it won't return! Will be taking all of the list earlier with me along with a silk liner for any rented sleeping bags etc
May try that tar soap mentioned above at some point as T-Gel is also tar based.
Frankly the severity of my condition meant I was happy to take the risk, and used only when absolutely necessary e.g. attending a wedding or important meeting and putting up with eczema at other times just with moisturiser.
As I mentioned above, took the smallest of amounts and rubbed over the area, will sting the first time its applied so have moisturiser on hand to calm it or you will be rubbing like mad! Without it my wedding wouldn't have gone so great- not to mention having the confidence to actually get my now wife so very grateful to whoever invented it.
My big test is early next year as off backpacking and so will be staying in hostels and experience all kinds of conditions, hoping it won't return! Will be taking all of the list earlier with me along with a silk liner for any rented sleeping bags etc
May try that tar soap mentioned above at some point as T-Gel is also tar based.
Steffan said:
I would be VERY careful with the steroid creams, there are REAL downsides as I know to my cost.
Your skin may become very fragile and thin as mine has and tear on contact with a door handle or brushing against objects.
I would try everything to avoid Steroids.
They work but there is a hell of a downside long term
Nowadays steroid creams are used in a very different way to how we used to use them (and got thin skin as a result). Your skin may become very fragile and thin as mine has and tear on contact with a door handle or brushing against objects.
I would try everything to avoid Steroids.
They work but there is a hell of a downside long term
I think I used Betnovate every day for several years. Now they use it in short bursts to control the flare, which doesn't have the same long term consequences.
Noger said:
Steffan said:
I would be VERY careful with the steroid creams, there are REAL downsides as I know to my cost.
Your skin may become very fragile and thin as mine has and tear on contact with a door handle or brushing against objects.
I would try everything to avoid Steroids.
They work but there is a hell of a downside long term
Nowadays steroid creams are used in a very different way to how we used to use them (and got thin skin as a result). Your skin may become very fragile and thin as mine has and tear on contact with a door handle or brushing against objects.
I would try everything to avoid Steroids.
They work but there is a hell of a downside long term
I think I used Betnovate every day for several years. Now they use it in short bursts to control the flare, which doesn't have the same long term consequences.
Certainly I made that mistake.
Yes, it is a tricky one.
On one hand there clearly was a problem with the Steroid use in the 70s, constant daily use for years = thin skin
On the other, short term steroid use can have a dramatic effect but the long term effects can put people off.
Higher strength for shorter times is the "modern" way.
Eczema returned for me in my mid 40s, having not had it for decades. And it wasn't where it used to be ! Had the same conversation with the dermatologist "bloody betnovate when I was 10". His advice was to quickly stop the flare with steroids, then manage with emollients. And definitely don't use it for more than a few days.
On one hand there clearly was a problem with the Steroid use in the 70s, constant daily use for years = thin skin
On the other, short term steroid use can have a dramatic effect but the long term effects can put people off.
Higher strength for shorter times is the "modern" way.
Eczema returned for me in my mid 40s, having not had it for decades. And it wasn't where it used to be ! Had the same conversation with the dermatologist "bloody betnovate when I was 10". His advice was to quickly stop the flare with steroids, then manage with emollients. And definitely don't use it for more than a few days.
There can be no doubt that topical steroids were hailed as a miracle when introduced when I was a teenager many years ago.
The effect was dramatic when Valderma and Zinc and castor oil cream were the only alternatives. Very poor ones at that!
Unfortunately the use of steroid cream WILL result in thin skin which is an additional distressing condition. As our general awareness that every drug has side effects has increased the consequences of long term steroid use have become apparent.
If you use less you will reduce the extent of thinned skin. If you keep steroid use down to a minimum you will suffer much less thin skin.
But ANY steroid use will result in thin skin. The more you use the worse it gets.
So far as I know there is no known treatment to restore thinned skin.
Steroid use is therefore a risky business. For many years you will see no change in the thickness of skin. Then all of a sudden you have thin skin. Permanently.
Use steroids with caution must be the message.
I would still use steroids if there is a real flair up and do from very occasional time to time. Maybe twice a year.
I would recommend steroids, and indeed do, to all Eczema sufferers, particularly mothers with babies suffering from Eczema n the day nurseries I use to own. They are by far the best cure.
Eczema is a distressing chronic condition and can be disfiguring and very embarrassing until you learn to develop strategies to cope with it.
But sufferers need to take responsibility for their treatment and be aware of the consequences.
If you use steroids` there is no escaping from the thin skin that will develop. Take Care!
The effect was dramatic when Valderma and Zinc and castor oil cream were the only alternatives. Very poor ones at that!
Unfortunately the use of steroid cream WILL result in thin skin which is an additional distressing condition. As our general awareness that every drug has side effects has increased the consequences of long term steroid use have become apparent.
If you use less you will reduce the extent of thinned skin. If you keep steroid use down to a minimum you will suffer much less thin skin.
But ANY steroid use will result in thin skin. The more you use the worse it gets.
So far as I know there is no known treatment to restore thinned skin.
Steroid use is therefore a risky business. For many years you will see no change in the thickness of skin. Then all of a sudden you have thin skin. Permanently.
Use steroids with caution must be the message.
I would still use steroids if there is a real flair up and do from very occasional time to time. Maybe twice a year.
I would recommend steroids, and indeed do, to all Eczema sufferers, particularly mothers with babies suffering from Eczema n the day nurseries I use to own. They are by far the best cure.
Eczema is a distressing chronic condition and can be disfiguring and very embarrassing until you learn to develop strategies to cope with it.
But sufferers need to take responsibility for their treatment and be aware of the consequences.
If you use steroids` there is no escaping from the thin skin that will develop. Take Care!
Interesting topic as I developed eczema out the blue in my late 30's a few years ago on my forehead and bridge of nose. I've tried some of the creams that have been mentioned with various results, however what is really working for me is an aloe vera based gel which I guess does as much to hydronate the area. It's also not greasy which I struggled with some of the other creams.
God that T-gel shampoo really stinks though!
God that T-gel shampoo really stinks though!
Well as folks seem to be recommending stuff...
Allergenicscream as a daily moisturiser (when I can find it)
Diprobase as daily moisturiser
Unguentum M for when it gets really dry
1% hydrocortisone
2.5% hydrocortisone or elocon when it gets really bad
Eurax is the only stuff that really stops bad itching (once it kicks in)
bio-oil works when my skin is fairly clear.
Allergenicscream as a daily moisturiser (when I can find it)
Diprobase as daily moisturiser
Unguentum M for when it gets really dry
1% hydrocortisone
2.5% hydrocortisone or elocon when it gets really bad
Eurax is the only stuff that really stops bad itching (once it kicks in)
bio-oil works when my skin is fairly clear.
I'm glad to see that I'm not alone!
I've been trying to get my eczema under control for the past 27 years and whilst I've had some success with certain products it's normally very short lived.
- E45 is useless.
- Betnovate/Dermovate are decent but I'm very aware that repeated use will cause the skin to thin.
- Aqueous cream is often raved about but I honestly feel as though it dries my skin out.
- I've used various steroid bath solutions (as prescribed by a GP) that left me seriously ithcy and in a lot of discomfort.
The best advice I can give is:
- Try and avoid too much Alcohol
- Perhaps change your washing detergent?
- Avoid too much dairy and try and maintain a healthy and balanced diet
- Not very easy to do (I still haven't found a way...) but try and avoid stress.
- Regular exercise.
Oh it's also worth mentioning that my Girlfriend's parents brought back from skin cream from China and it is nothing short of amazing. I have absolutely no idea what it is and I have no idea what the ingredients are (it's all written in Chinese) but it really works. The only ingredient I'm 99% sure it has in there is Cloves as you can really smell it.
I've been battling with a pretty severe outbreak since September time and within 2 weeks it's almost fully cleared up.
I've been trying to get my eczema under control for the past 27 years and whilst I've had some success with certain products it's normally very short lived.
- E45 is useless.
- Betnovate/Dermovate are decent but I'm very aware that repeated use will cause the skin to thin.
- Aqueous cream is often raved about but I honestly feel as though it dries my skin out.
- I've used various steroid bath solutions (as prescribed by a GP) that left me seriously ithcy and in a lot of discomfort.
The best advice I can give is:
- Try and avoid too much Alcohol
- Perhaps change your washing detergent?
- Avoid too much dairy and try and maintain a healthy and balanced diet
- Not very easy to do (I still haven't found a way...) but try and avoid stress.
- Regular exercise.
Oh it's also worth mentioning that my Girlfriend's parents brought back from skin cream from China and it is nothing short of amazing. I have absolutely no idea what it is and I have no idea what the ingredients are (it's all written in Chinese) but it really works. The only ingredient I'm 99% sure it has in there is Cloves as you can really smell it.
I've been battling with a pretty severe outbreak since September time and within 2 weeks it's almost fully cleared up.
stackmonkey said:
Well as folks seem to be recommending stuff...
Allergenicscream as a daily moisturiser (when I can find it)
Diprobase as daily moisturiser
Unguentum M for when it gets really dry
1% hydrocortisone
2.5% hydrocortisone or elocon when it gets really bad
Eurax is the only stuff that really stops bad itching (once it kicks in)
bio-oil works when my skin is fairly clear.
I agree with every one of these. You have to find what works for you.Allergenicscream as a daily moisturiser (when I can find it)
Diprobase as daily moisturiser
Unguentum M for when it gets really dry
1% hydrocortisone
2.5% hydrocortisone or elocon when it gets really bad
Eurax is the only stuff that really stops bad itching (once it kicks in)
bio-oil works when my skin is fairly clear.
Keep at it, my Eczema is better controlled now that any any time in the last 5 years. Tea Tree oil and moisturizer backed up with Calypso Dry Oil Spray do it for me and are definitely non steroidal.
The Chinese cream sounds very interesting but I would be very cautious without seeing the formulation.
Some of these Chinese cures would not be approved in the UK at all. Lead is one of the problems. Our drug control system is imperfect but better than the Chinese.
Edited by Steffan on Wednesday 30th November 12:27
warp9 said:
Interesting topic as I developed eczema out the blue in my late 30's a few years ago on my forehead and bridge of nose. I've tried some of the creams that have been mentioned with various results, however what is really working for me is an aloe vera based gel which I guess does as much to hydronate the area. It's also not greasy which I struggled with some of the other creams.
God that T-gel shampoo really stinks though!
I appear to be getting it above my lip (I had it there as a kid). The steroid creams say not on the face (logically) - any idea what I should use? God that T-gel shampoo really stinks though!
0a said:
I appear to be getting it above my lip (I had it there as a kid). The steroid creams say not on the face (logically) - any idea what I should use?
Again a lot depends on how you react to the treatment.In the past I have covered my face with Synylar, Betnovate, Efcourtelan, Eumovate and other steroids. Never had a problem other than thin skin even around the eyes and eye sockets.
Several doctors have had nightmares at warning me that this was most unwise.
I am very tolerant to a whole range of drugs including pretty well all the anesthetics and the opiates and most barbiturates.
Most people are not.
I would therefore be very careful.
The warnings are there because the medic's want to cure the disease not make it worse.
I would ask your doctor.
I find all doctors are very knowledgeable and helpful.
It would probably work for me but I would ask first.
I've had it since a child on the back of my head. So usual skin applications I can't use due to hair in the way.
On the up side the hair hides the redness of it, on the downside, it flakes and looks like I permanently have dandruff.
I find a hotter climate and shorter hair (air) helps reduce it.
I use betnovate hair shampoo, but it's certainly not a cure, seems to do nothing if I use it constantly too.
One other thing I found helped that no-one else has mentioned is salt water. A few years back I got in the sea daily (I was in Australia in summer so this wasn't such a problem as old blightly in winter
), but it virtually cleared up then. I recently went to a place in London called Floatworks (you lock yourself in a tank with saltwater and float) and had intense stinging on my eczema when I first got in, but after 5 mins it settled, and it was trouble free for around 2 weeks afterwards before it returned again.
On the up side the hair hides the redness of it, on the downside, it flakes and looks like I permanently have dandruff.
I find a hotter climate and shorter hair (air) helps reduce it.
I use betnovate hair shampoo, but it's certainly not a cure, seems to do nothing if I use it constantly too.
One other thing I found helped that no-one else has mentioned is salt water. A few years back I got in the sea daily (I was in Australia in summer so this wasn't such a problem as old blightly in winter
), but it virtually cleared up then. I recently went to a place in London called Floatworks (you lock yourself in a tank with saltwater and float) and had intense stinging on my eczema when I first got in, but after 5 mins it settled, and it was trouble free for around 2 weeks afterwards before it returned again.Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff