Hand Eczema - Update

[Misky]

Not a question, but I wanted to put an update on here for people who might in future be searching the internet for someone who was going through the same thing as I've had since February. In February I went to the GP with something on the back of my hand which he said was eczema (I hadn't had this before, and I'm 50), it was ugly, very, very itchy, swollen and sore. He gave me steroid cream and Zeroderm ointment and that patch cleared up. While I was treating that however, the skin on my palms started to itch madly and swell and for the last three months I've been in agony with this, and deep lesions on almost every finger and every crack on my palm, thick skin that would flake off with flakes so sharp they would cut the "normal" skin on other parts of my body. The pain was constant and the GP offered me anti-depressants because nothing he prescribed worked. I was searching the internet for things other people used and none of the "miracle creams" in the ads worked. The GP referred me to a Dermatologist on the NHS but the appointment was at the end of July. I paid for a private consultation with a Dermatologist at a local Hospital and hoorah!!! After all this time, a course of steroids and a tube of Dermovate (which I know is very powerful), I HAVE WORKING HANDS AGAIN. I can open doors, I can drive, I can work, I can do everything I used to do, without pain. So if you're looking at this and are as low down as I was, there is hope. You might have to pay for it to get it quickly, but there is hope. I know there are things I've missed out, but if I had found my posts when I was searching, and there was no end post, I'd be very cross, so this is my end post.

[Sqad]

Thanks for the update Misky, I can remember the times when trying to get a short sharp course of steroids by mouth was like drawing teeth.
I thought that was a thing of the past, but apparently not by some doctors.

[sunny-dave]

Indeed squad - the demonising of oral steroids has caused many problems like Misky’s - it shouldn’t happen but (sadly) still does.

I’m glad you’re recovering now Misky - you shouldn’t have had to wait so long (or pay to go private).

[Misky]

Thanks both, I was worried that when the course of steroids stopped, the pain and problems would come back, but touch wood (and I can now), my hands are still getting better.

[rowanwitch]

I think steroids are being used a lot more as there is greater understanding of the immune system. After all a short course of oral steroids is cheap and often effective.

[jazzyjen]

I have had eczema all my life (I'm over 50), with a particular focus in my hands. THe palms are rarely completely clear but I find it comes and goes a bit with the time of year- extremes of temperature, using certain products or even handling everyday objects. I once spent a fortnight in agony after counting some bags of new copper coins at work and the "dust" from them got into my cracked skin, causing infected blisters.
Hydrocortisol cream works for short spells but I cannot use it all the time. The best treatment for me is avoidance of any known triggers.
I have learned to wear gloves for any household cleaning task or for driving because the steering wheel really hurts my skin. I also have my hair washed for me so I don't have to be in contact with the shampoo.

[Giggsie]

Don't know if anyone has heard of this but my friend used to pee on her hands. She said it worked well for her only thing that healed them up.

[NoMercy]

Urea is used in some topical ointments