Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Eczema on my hands now for over a year! Seen consultant and having patch test but what else can I do?

17 replies

Hadenoughtoday01 · 21/04/2017 20:35

I wake with itchy hands and this has been going on over a year. I have had issues with my boss so it could be stress but I've tried steroids. It's also on my scalp and my elbows. Could it be something I'm eating? Help

OP posts:
medicinewoman182 · 26/04/2017 20:52

Have you tried sunbeds?

Obviously these pose their own risks however but so does putting loads of steroid creams on your skin!

I suffer with eczema and during a flare up I feel a regular 3 minutes sun bed, once or twice a week for a few weeks/months helps keep it under control.

Original poster
Hadenoughtoday01 · 27/04/2017 08:39

You know what! I was thinking today how pale I was and wondering if using a sunbed might help. My eczema started when I went back to working in an office full time. Before I worked full time but from home and used to do a run (of around an hour) at lunchtime. I'm going to try this! Thanks medicine

OP posts:
MerryInthechelseahotel · 27/04/2017 09:31

I've had eczema on my hands for years and the only thing that helps is light treatment from the hospital so similar to the sunbed.

Scotmum83 · 27/04/2017 09:58

I had eczema on my hands for years, turned out to be milk intolerance and cleared up within a few weeks if cutting it out my diet.

NavyandWhite · 27/04/2017 09:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Hadenoughtoday01 · 27/04/2017 10:15

Thanks guys. Right I have been told I have eczema by a consultant dermatologist but the cause is baffling my GP and the consultant. So I'm having a patch test - but my appointment is taking a while to come through. Before I started getting this - I had been experiencing what I call a 'runny tummy' (which also resulted in discovering that I had a anal fissure probably caused by the ventouse delivery I had with DC1) I kept asking my GP, and I was referred to a consultant gastroentologist who carried out lots of tests (colonscopy etc) and couldn't find anything but the tear (which is a weakness and clears up but still bothers me). He told me I might need to avoid some foods, but gave me no idea of what might be causing this. I found that cheese and nuts, and grains made my tummy worse. It doesn't hurt -0 it's just I need to 'let it out'. I'm wondering if both are related. And my tummy troubles date back to when I had DC2 nearly four years ago, my morning sickness was terrible during my pregnancy and my digestive system has not been the same. Could it be a chemical or food?

OP posts:
Original poster
Hadenoughtoday01 · 27/04/2017 10:17

Been tested for gluten - I think. All my blood counts were fine and I was told I was in excellent health! Apart from some markers in my blood which showed I was experiencing inflammation... somewhere in my body. As I said my colon has been looked at (well lower bowel) and is all clear...

OP posts:
NavyandWhite · 27/04/2017 10:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Hadenoughtoday01 · 27/04/2017 13:36

Navy I had cut gluten and dairy out - but I'm probably not being strict enough - for example I think soya sauce has wheat in it. Hmmm

OP posts:
onlyconnect · 27/04/2017 13:40

When you go to bed at night, slather your hands with Vaseline and then put on a pair of clear plastic gloves ( like the ones at petrol stations). Tie them on at the wrists. This will really soften your hands.

Original poster
Hadenoughtoday01 · 03/05/2017 12:07

My hands have got a whole lot worse. I'm now using vinyl gloves - today and intend to do so for the next few days. Is gluten in oatcakes? I'm also wondering if it could be soya as I eat a lot of soya...

OP posts:
Clubclassic · 03/05/2017 12:18

Had terrible eczema on my hands, scalp & back for about 2 years. Have a severe allergy to dairy, eggs, pets & nuts. So never have those. No creams etc would touch it. Had the patch tests & among other things I got a very strong positive result for Methylisothiazolinone (MI). It's in loads of cosmetics as well as detergents & is becoming more prevalent cause of skin problems. Hands are finally healing. Was so embarrassed by them as they were such a state.

Original poster
Hadenoughtoday01 · 03/05/2017 14:57

Club obviously you can avoid eating those foods but how did you go about the MI? Do you wear gloves?

OP posts:
Clubclassic · 03/05/2017 16:29

I've had to change my laundry detergent & softener. Also I used a lot of scented ironing water which it's in so not using that anymore. It's also in most liquid soaps/hand gels etc. So I make sure I take an emollient cream out with me 2 wash my hands with. Also had 2 change shampoos but there are websites which list which products are mi free. U just have to get used to checking ingredients on everything.

Clubclassic · 03/05/2017 16:30

I also wear gloves

AppleMagic · 03/05/2017 16:44

Just as a warning, my patch test showed that I am allergic to carba mix, which is an accelerant used in the production of rubber for vinyl and non-vinyl gloves!

If the skin is infected

AppleMagic · 03/05/2017 16:44

...bleach baths can make a massive difference. Hand eczema gets infected really easily.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page