At wits end with pompholyx eczema.

[Geekster1963]

I get a couple of outbreaks a year usually, and this one has been going on since the end of January. My GP managed to get me an appointment at a dermatology community outpatients in February who prescribed me prednisolone and antibiotics, it has improved but once my steroids reduced it started to get worse again. My GP has given me some Fucidin cream and Diprobase and zeroderm ointment too. It just doesn't seem to want to clear up.

My palms and fingers are covered and doing anything hurts. I've got a hospital appointment in June.

Hi, I was suffering very badly for years too, until a new GP pointed out that the Fucidin cream was not great for hands, because the skin is very thick there, so it needs a more potent steroid. She prescribed Elocon, and I used it every day for 5 days until it cleared up, and then every few days after for a while.

Have you identified a trigger? Mine is sweat, so I also use an antiperspirant that can be used on hands in the hot weather/ when I am stressed.

My trigger was hormones for dyshidrotic eczema (for some unknwn reason dont like the name pomphlex)
I would get it same time every month. Ive only used eumovate.
I get it now on my feet. I have also found the best way to alleviate the itching is ibuprofen.

Which i meant to say seems to stop the itch scratch cycle.

I think my triggers are changes in the temperature as I usually get it in spring and autumn. I have got some Dermovate ointment too.

Unfortunately I can't take ibuprofen as I'm allergic to it.

Dermovate would be better to use whilst your hands are in a bad state if you can't get Eumovate. I sit around in cotton gloves that you get from old fashioned chemists so I scratch less when I am itchy.

If you can't take ibuprofen, an antihistamine could be good to break the itch-scratch cycle. There is plenty of choice over the counter.

Thanks, I will try antihistamines. Will also get some cotton gloves. I've been using 'plastic' ones so they don't stick as its quit open and weepy.