Any GPs or dermatologists? Eczema hell

[Greenrailings]

Is it possible that paraffin is making my eczema worse? And are there any paraffin-free emollients available on prescription?

I'm trying and failing to control my eczema and it's making me so depressed. I went back to my GP yesterday to ask for a dermatology referral (I was there's no point, it's a two year wait). I also shared my theory that the paraffin is making my skin worse, and asked to try a different emollient. What did I walk away with? A prescription for a new paraffin-based emollient. I've just applied it and I feel like my skin is on fire.

I'm so miserable. I don't know where to start with getting it under control and it's taking over my life.

OP its probably this
https://www.itsan.org

Steroid withdrawal is absolutely a thing.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/topical-steroid-withdrawal-reactions-a-review-of-the-evidence/topical-steroid-withdrawal-reactions-a-review-of-the-evidence

I was told I had ezcema on my neck by many GPs. I asked for referral in the end… wasn’t ezcema at all! Definitely need to see dermatologist.

@LegoNinjago DD's dermatologist said that the jury was out on this because DD asked about steroid withdrawal.

@Greenrailings you poor thing. DD has really struggled with her eczema recently so she eventually saw a private dermatologist. I just googled for one in our area, checked out her credentials and DD got seen. The initial consultation cost £250 and the extensive allergy testing cost £600, and so far it has been well worth the cost.

The dermatologist is also a dermatology consultant at a local NHS hospital and was very thorough. If you are in the Sheffield area I can recommend her.

This is what I have posted in another ecema thread, and I hope it is of some use to you:

DD's main allergen is a preservative found in a lot of creams and shampoos called Benzalkonium chloride. This preservative is found in a lot of creams recommended for eczema and can leave the face feeling like it is on fire.
DD now uses Cetraben as it doesn't burn her face.
Another allergen to look out for is Triethanolamine and another is glucosides which are used s a foaming agent in shampoos and other similar products.

Jury’s out?
Has he been in a coma over last, at least, 4 years?

MHRA wrote a paper in 2021, NHS is fully on board too etc

www.nhs.uk/conditions/topical-steroids/

@LegoNinjago I'm not sure this is what I've got, but it's helpful to know what to look for. I wouldn't say I'm a long-time user of steroids (in the sense that I might use them for 1-2 weeks, once a day, a couple of times a year) - if anything, I think I probably don't use them enough? I've been too spooked by the warnings about dependency and thin skin! I also Googled it, and I don't think my skin looks the same as steroid withdrawal pics

That said, my skin recently does often feel more like it's stinging rather than itching. The feeling I had with the emollient last night, and others like it, is that my skin is fizzing. It's horrible, I could have torn myself to shreds and I was awake half the night itching.

... what this thread is showing me is that I need to scrape some money together to go and see a dermatologist!

@RampantIvy I'm in Sheffield and just searching now for a dermatologist for my son if you wouldn't mind giving details please I'd be very grateful.

Have PM'd you.

@LegoNinjago that is because DD has a medical related degree and is aware of over using topical steroids and has been extremely careful, so the dermatologist was not concerned with how much she has used.

@LegoNinjago I am only recounting what the dermatologist said to us ( he is very well respected)
If used as he directed he was adament it is safe
That's why he has written the letter to the GP as they will question her usage

Can you afford a one-off private derm appt?

Best £250 I ever spent to get my DD's skin under control (she was a baby at the time)

I was also told similar 10 years ago by 2 dermatologists at 2 top London hospitals. I was ridiculed, in fact.
Yet 5 years later one apologised and admitted they were wrong.

A little update and thanks again to everyone who replied.

Paraffin free emollients weren't working so in desperation, I booked a private dermatology appointment. It continued to worsen all last week until I couldn't even shower (just water, nothing else) so went back to the GP in tears yesterday and came away with a short course of prednisolone. I've only had one dose so far and it's working already!

I took it years ago after being prescribed it by a very relaxed doctor in South Africa, and it cleared it up for years. Hope I might be so lucky this time, but I know it's usually a temporary fix. Now the dilemma: do I keep or cancel the private derm appointment?!

Now the dilemma: do I keep or cancel the private derm appointment?!

It is worth keeping for the allergy testing. DD's skin is the best it has ever been now that she knows what to avoid. It will mean that you won't need to keep taking prednisolone.

Have you had an investigation into your immunity? You may be lacking something / low on some minerals or vitamins.
It might be worth paying for private Dermatologist.
Please Watch cideos by Dr Andrea Dray she is a Dermatologist and has loads of free advise on her YT channels she is an Excema sufferer but your would never tell by looking at her. She is a massive advocate for Vasline. She has massess if videos on the topic of eczema. Becuase of her I have managed to deal with my dry skin in a very affordable way.

We did the same abroad, cost us £25 and walked away with a steroid (£18) cream that cured my DS1 cradle cap. Gps were useless in the UK