Dermatitis of the hands

[curlyperm11]

My daughter (19) has had this problem since about 4 years old, not sure if it is dermatitis, skin constantly resembles having been in the hot bath for too long, bubbly skin like little blisters, we have been to the doc on many occasion, just to be given various emollients which (for her) are useless! I recently bought her some DOUBLE BASE cream, but thats not proving any better, its dried up worse recently and cracks, she works as a waitress/bar and cannot wear gloves but it is unsightly and understandably she is embarrassed by it, i wondered if anyone had suffered anything similar, or is the skin hospital the final resort?
T I A

[woofgang]

If she's 19 and has had it since she was 4, I would say that specialist help would be a good idea. Has your doc ever said what it is or what causes it?

[curlyperm11]

The doc (varying on occasion) have used the word eczema and have no valid ideas as to how or why its there permanently........ I may have to go with her next time and try and force a referral, as when she has suggested it previously, shes just been handed a prescription for yet more eumovate dermavate etc...got a cupboard full of the stuff

[Sqad]

Agree with woofgang....she needs to see a Consultant Dermatologist.

[mallyh]

ive had this for years the doctor gives me betnovate it helps

[NoMercy]

Systemic treatments such as Cyclosporin are usually the first choice for eczema that is refractory to topical treatments. However, Cyclosporin is immunosuppressive and potentially nephrotoxic so she may not get that treatment if she has any underlying health issues.

Referral to Dermatology is definitely the way forward.

[guilliebrougues]

Has your daughter had a skin patch test to see what she is allergic to ?
There is a product on the market called Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion with shea butter with triple oat complex which immediately relieves and nourishes extra dry , irritable skin and moisturises for 24 hours . It is fragrance free and is supposed to last through hand washing. If she works as a Waitress/bar, this should help and put a barrier against any table wiping or bar wiping she might have to do. ( wet cloths ) You can even wash your hands with this product as well. I speak from experience.

[pastafreak]

The Aveno products are good for dry skin conditions-I've used it when I've had flare-ups of eczema around my eye.
But I agree with others-she needs to find out what is causing her dermatitis-if that is what it is. I'm surprised she's had it so long-with no real improvement.

[guilliebrougues]

That is why I asked if she had had a skin patch test done to find out what products she is allergic to. Even the common dust mite may trigger her problem off. There will be a series of products that the consultant will put onto her skin and leave on for 48 hours, then yuou go back to the consultant and he/she can tell you what reaction and what things have been irritating the skin. You can get a print out from the consultant and narrow the problem down by avoiding these things.

[curlyperm11]

Thank you All for your extremely helpful inputs really appreciate them, skin clinic it is then, weve tried betnovate, no improvement either.
Thanks again. X

[gingejbee]

Isn't it strange that some GPs seem very reluctant to refer patients to a hospital specialist, while others do it at the drop of a hat?
Turn up at my GP with something that he's not absolutely sure about....he's typing the referral letter before you leave the surgery!