Hand eczema, losing the will!

[Helpmyhands]

Ive suffered with hand eczema for 3 years now. I've tried copious steroids, creams, cotton gloves, had patch testing (I do have some allergies). I even wear disposable gloves to change my babies nappy so I don't have to wash them so frequently. I'm having a horrendous flare up and I'm in tears. I can't get on top of it, my hands are destroyed from steroid use.

I've spoken to doctors, multiple times. I've seen the community dermatologist and another dermatologist. No one's ever actually looked at my hands in person. Only photos. I'm now doubting if it's all eczema.

It goes through phases, sometimes the skin on my fingertips cracks and splits. Sometimes I have small blisters. Currently I have what feels and looks like a burn.

Don't really know why I'm posting this, anything I haven't tried? Any tips? Im so desperate to get on top of it and I can't. It nearly clears and then comes back worse.

Help me :(

@Birchavalon where do you get your cotton gloves? I liked the ones Kleeeneze did, but they went bust. I got some horrible scratchy ones from the pharmacy.

Thank you for all the advice, I'm definitely taking it all in board. @GreyDuck I bought some today in boots, they are a large though and fit my hands snuggly!

Look at zoebeebeauty on Instagram. I haven't used her products but they have amazing reviews!

I use Aproderm - the oat one in place of soap (I’ve a wee tube I take out with me) & then the emollient cream repeatedly through the day. I’ve varying strengths of topical steroid (at one point was on oral steroids) & get antibiotics as soon as there’s any sign of infection. Which, when your immune system thinks functioning is an optional extra/for special occasions; & your skin is fragile for non-eczema reasons… 🤦🏻‍♀️

I’m sorry you’re having such a rough go atm OP. I hope the gloves help (I can’t cope with them, sensory issues, but know they’re incredibly effective) & you feel better soon. Also, can you ask to see a dermatologist face to face? It seems absurd you’ve not, given photos can provide only limited information.

try washing hands with Aleppo soap with a high laurel oil content, some people find it helpful www.alepposoap.uk/faq

It might be worth checking out Hanna Sillitoe products. She won backing on dragons den with her skin creams that she created to help her severe psoriasis. I think she has a hand cream. I have used other products of hers and they have been brilliant for my skin issues. Her website has a lot of before and after pictures so you can see the results.